In the opening round of Group E at the 2026 World Cup, Germany made a strong start at Houston Stadium with a 7-1 victory over World Cup debutants Curaçao. Although Curaçao suffered a heavy defeat, Comenencia scored his country’s first-ever World Cup goal in the 21st minute, writing an important chapter for the Caribbean nation of around 160,000 people.
🔥 Quick Read
- Germany win 7-1 in Group E opener at Houston
- Havertz scored twice; Musiala, Undav, Brown also on target
- Curaçao’s Comenencia scored first-ever World Cup goal
- Germany dominated the second half, with substitute Undav making an immediate impact after coming on
- Germany top Group E; Ivory Coast next on June 20
Four-Time Champions Start Strong As Nmecha Scores Early
Facing World Cup newcomers Curaçao, Germany showed clear control from the opening stages. In the 6th minute, Nmecha combined with Wirtz in the final third before firing a low shot into the far corner to give Germany an early 1-0 lead.
Although Curaçao were clearly the weaker side on paper, they were not completely overwhelmed. In the 21st minute, Comenencia’s shot took a deflection and looped past Neuer into the net, bringing the score to 1-1. The goal not only briefly brought Curaçao level, but also became the first World Cup goal in the team’s history.
Curaçao’s Historic Goal Fails To Stop Germany’s Response
In the 38th minute, Germany created danger from a corner, with Schlotterbeck heading in unmarked to restore the lead at 2-1.
During first-half stoppage time, Bazoer fouled Nmecha inside the penalty area, giving Germany a spot-kick. Havertz converted from the penalty spot to make it 3-1, allowing Germany to enter the break with a firmer grip on the match.
Germany Dominate After The Break And Extend Their Lead
Just two minutes into the second half, Germany struck again. Kimmich played a direct pass forward, and Musiala arrived to finish with a low shot, extending the lead to 4-1. That goal effectively ended the contest and put Germany fully in control.
Germany continued to press high and attack with intensity. In the 68th minute, Brown scored on his World Cup debut to widen the gap. In the 78th minute, substitute Undav finished from close range to score Germany’s sixth goal. Havertz then struck again in the 88th minute to complete his brace and seal the final score at 7-1.
Undav Makes Instant Impact Off The Bench
Undav, the highest-rated player of the match, showed excellent efficiency after coming on as a substitute. In the 78th minute, he scored from close range to add Germany’s sixth goal of the match.
His performance highlighted the attacking depth available to Julian Nagelsmann. Even with a big lead, Germany were still able to rely on their substitutes to maintain pressure and continue extending the scoreline in the second half.
Group E Takes Shape As Germany Move Top
With this 7-1 victory, Germany claimed three points from their opening match and moved to the top of Group E with a +6 goal difference. For Nagelsmann’s side, the win delivered an ideal start and gave them confidence ahead of their next match against Ivory Coast on June 20, which should provide a tougher test in the group stage.
For Curaçao, the number of goals conceded was a concern, but Comenencia’s historic goal gave the team a moment to remember. Dick Advocaat’s side must now regroup quickly and try to limit their goal-difference damage in the remaining two matches, as it could directly affect their final position in Group E.
