Kai Havertz bags a brace, Musiala dazzles, and Germany sends a brutal warning to the rest of the world
Germany meant business from minute one. Heavy favourites Germany clobbered World Cup debutants Curaçao 7-1 to kick off both teams’ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns at Houston Stadium in Texas. Felix Nmecha struck early, the floodgates opened, and Die Mannschaft never looked back. This was not just a comfortable win — this was a statement. NBC Sports
After back-to-back group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, Germany came into this tournament with something to prove. On Sunday in Houston, they proved it in style. The scoreline was ruthless. The performance was even more so.
First Half: Germany Strike Early, Curaçao Make History
Nmecha Opens the Scoring in Six Minutes
Felix Nmecha broke the deadlock in just the 6th minute, catching Curaçao’s defence completely cold. Germany were sharp, direct, and clinical from the very first whistle — exactly the kind of start Julian Nagelsmann would have demanded. FIFA
Curaçao’s Stunning Equaliser — A Historic Moment
Then came the moment no one predicted. Livano Comenencia briefly had the score level at 1-1 with Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup goal. For a nation of just 150,000 people — the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup — it was an extraordinary, emotional moment. The small Caribbean island had written itself into football history. NBC SportsFOX Sports
Germany Hit Back Hard Before Half-Time
Curaçao’s joy was short-lived. Nico Schlotterbeck’s header off a corner restored Germany’s lead in the 38th minute. Then, Felix Nmecha was tripped in the box just before half-time, and Kai Havertz coolly converted the penalty to give Germany a two-goal lead going into the break. At 3-1, the match was already effectively over. Yahoo SportsYahoo Sports
Second Half: Germany Put the Boot In
Musiala Makes It Four — Immediately After the Restart
Jamal Musiala struck in the 47th minute — barely two minutes into the second half — to kill any faint hope Curaçao had of a comeback. The Bayern Munich star was electric all evening, and his goal was the kind of moment that reminds you why he is one of the most exciting players in world football right now. FIFA
Undav Comes Off the Bench and Tears Curaçao Apart
Deniz Undav came off the bench to score a goal and assist two others. That kind of impact from a substitute tells you everything about the depth in this German squad. Nathaniel Brown added another in the 68th minute, before Undav got on the scoresheet himself in the 78th. NBC SportsFIFA
Havertz Wraps It Up With His Second
Kai Havertz completed his brace in the 88th minute, assisted by Undav, to seal a 7-1 scoreline that will echo around the tournament. Joshua Kimmich also contributed two assists in a complete team performance. FOX SportsNBC Sports
Key Stats From the Match
- Germany goals: Nmecha (6′), Schlotterbeck (38′), Havertz (45+5′ pen, 88′), Musiala (47′), N. Brown (68′), Undav (78′)
- Curaçao goal: Comenencia (21′) — their first-ever World Cup goal
- Kimmich: 2 assists
- Undav: 1 goal, 2 assists off the bench
- Germany’s possession: 60%, with 16 shots overall and six on target Yahoo Sports
A Proud Night for Curaçao Despite the Scoreline
The result was one-sided, but Curaçao can hold their heads high. This was their first-ever World Cup game, and they are ranked 82nd in the FIFA World Rankings. Comenencia’s goal will be replayed in their country for generations. They came, they competed, and they scored. For a nation this size, that is not nothing — that is everything. FOX Sports
What Comes Next
Germany face the Ivory Coast next Saturday in Toronto — a much tougher test that will reveal more about how far this team can really go. Curaçao, meanwhile, will hope for a better result when they face Ecuador in their second group game. FOX SportsFOX Sports
Germany are back. And this time, they are not here just to participate.
Seven goals. One message. Die Mannschaft means business at World Cup 2026.