Curaçao celebrates a historic first World Cup goal, but Germany’s superior quality shines through in a dominant Group E opener.
Germany opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, overwhelming tournament debutants Curaçao 7-1 in a one-sided Group E encounter.
While the final score reflected Germany’s superiority, the match also delivered a memorable moment for Curaçao. Livano Comenencia, a former Juventus Next Gen player, etched his name into his nation’s history by scoring Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup goal.
For a brief period, the Caribbean side dreamed of an upset. Germany took an early lead through Felix Nmecha after just six minutes, only for Comenencia to stun the German supporters with a remarkable equalizer in the 21st minute.
The historic goal briefly made it 1-1 and provided one of the most emotional moments of the tournament so far. However, Germany quickly reasserted control.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side restored the lead before halftime when Nico Schlotterbeck powered home a header in the 38th minute. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Kai Havertz converted a penalty won by the outstanding Nmecha to make it 3-1.
Any lingering hopes of a Curaçao comeback disappeared immediately after the restart. Jamal Musiala struck less than two minutes into the second half to extend Germany’s advantage and effectively put the match beyond reach.
The Germans continued to dominate possession and create chances against a tiring Curaçao defense. Brown added a fifth goal in the 68th minute after an excellent team move, before substitute Deniz Undav made an immediate impact by scoring Germany’s sixth.
Undav continued to influence the match and later provided the assist for Havertz’s second goal of the evening. The Arsenal striker completed his brace in the 88th minute, capping a comprehensive performance from the four-time world champions.
The result places Germany at the top of Group E and sends an early warning to its rivals. For Curaçao, despite the heavy defeat, Comenencia’s historic goal remains a landmark achievement in the nation’s football history.
Match Report: Germany 7-1 Curaçao
Goals: 6′ Nmecha (GER), 21′ Comenencia (CUW), 38′ Schlotterbeck (GER), 45+4′ Penalty Havertz (GER), 47′ Musiala (GER), 68′ Brown (GER), 78′ Undav (GER), 88′ Havertz (GER)
Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich (83′ Anton), Tah (73′ Rüdiger), Schlotterbeck, Brown (73′ Raum); Nmecha (73′ Goretzka), Pavlovic; Sané, Musiala (64′ Undav), Wirtz; Havertz.
Head Coach: Julian Nagelsmann
Curaçao (4-3-3): Room; Fonville, Obispo, Bazoer, Floranus; Comenencia, Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna; Chong (83′ Kastaneer), Locadia (65′ Margaritha), Hansen (46′ Antonisse).
Head Coach: Dick Advocaat
Referee: Jayed
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None
Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group E
