Germany Hammer Curacao 7-1 to Launch FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign in Style
Germany sent a strong message to their FIFA World Cup 2026 rivals with a ruthless 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curacao in their Group E opener. Kai Havertz scored twice as the four-time world champions delivered an attacking masterclass, while Livano Comenencia etched his name into history by scoring Curacao's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.
The four-time world champions were too hot for their Caribbean opponents and were 3-1 up at half time and through a relentless attacking display, scoring four more after the break to mark one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far.
Germany pinned Curacao inside their own half and went ahead in the 6th minute when Felix Nmecha capped a flowing move with a clinical finish.
Curacao, the smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup, responded in the 21st minute as Livano Comenencia's shot took a deflection and sailed over Manuel Neuer for their country's first-ever goal in World Cup history.
Germany were stung into action and regained the lead when Nico Schlotterbeck met Nathaniel Brown's pinpoint corner delivery, powering a header past Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room.
They then stretched their lead in first-half stoppage time Kai Havertz converted a penalty won by Nmecha.
In the second-half, Curacao blew away in the face of a German onslaught as two minutes after the restart amal Musiala combined with Joshua Kimmich before sliding a low finish through the goalkeeper's legs.
In the 68th minute, Nathaniel Brown capped off a fine performance with a Germany's fifth goal. 10 minutes later, Deniz Undav was on the scoresheet drilling home a low cross.
Two minutes before the end of regulation time, Havertz completed his brace with a chipped finish to seal the 7-1 victory.
The fans have spoken – Kai Havertz is your @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match! 🌟
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 14, 2026
#FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/c5fst8Eg2i
Player of the Match :Kai Havertz (Germany)
