Germany made a dream start to their World Cup 2026 campaign in Houston on Sunday when they decimated newcomers Curacao 7-1.
This was Germany’s first victory in a World Cup opener in 12 years. The result also extended their winning streak to 10 matches.
The four-time world champions will next face Ivory Coast and Ecuador in the group stage. Germany look to rebuild their reputation after disappointing first-round exits in 2018 and 2022.
Since lifting their fourth World Cup title in Brazil in 2014, Germany have struggled to make an impact at major international tournaments. Against the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, they had to overcome some early nerves before settling into the game. However, their finishing improved after the break as they took complete control of the match.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann started Jamal Musiala and left in-form striker Deniz Undav on the bench. Musiala is still working his way back to peak form after spending six months out with a broken leg last year.
The convincing win will have reassured German fans after years of disappointment, although Nagelsmann knows the upcoming matches will provide much tougher tests.
There was also plenty of encouragement from 22-year-old midfielder Nathaniel Brown, who produced arguably the best performance in his short international career with a goal and an assist.
Brown earned a surprise call-up after impressing with a series of strong performances for Eintracht Frankfurt. His link-up play with substitute Undav for Germany’s fifth goal was really impressive.
Undav may not have started the game, but he made a big impact after coming on. He set up Brown’s goal, scored one himself and later provided another assist for Kai Havertz. The striker has now scored three goals in his last three matches and finished last season as the Bundesliga’s second-highest scorer behind Harry Kane.
