Germany brushed aside Curacao 7-1 at the 2026 World Cup in Houston after the tournament debutants briefly levelled the match during an entertaining first half.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side controlled possession from the opening minutes and stretched Curacao across the pitch. Germany often attacked with four players high up the field while Joshua Kimmich tucked into a deeper role. The movement caused constant problems and Felix Nmecha opened the scoring after Germany carved through the defence with quick passing and clever runs.
Germany looked capable of scoring with every attack, but Curaçao grabbed a historic equaliser in the 28th minute. Livano Comenencia scored the island nation’s first-ever World Cup goal and briefly stunned the crowd at NRG Stadium.
For a short spell, Curacao carried a threat on the counter-attack. Germany left space behind their attacks and the match opened up at both ends. However, the favourites regained control before the break.
Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany’s lead in the 38th minute when he attacked a corner and headed home unchallenged. Kai Havertz then converted a penalty deep into added time to send Germany into the dressing room with a 3-1 advantage.
The second half turned into a one-sided contest.
Jamal Musiala struck within two minutes of the restart and effectively ended any hopes of a comeback. Germany dominated possession, pinned Curacao inside their own half and continued to create chances.
Nathaniel Brown marked an impressive performance with his first international goal to make it 5-1. Deniz Undav added a sixth before Havertz completed the scoring with a delicate chipped finish.
Germany’s response after Curacao’s equaliser stood out. The match sat at 1-1 after 28 minutes, but Germany scored six of the next seven goals and never allowed Curaçao back into the contest.
The victory also highlighted Germany’s attacking depth. Nmecha, Schlotterbeck, Havertz, Musiala, Brown and Undav all found the net as Nagelsmann’s side produced one of the tournament’s most emphatic wins so far.
