2026 FIFA World Cup | Group E | Sunday June 14
- Germany 7-1 Curaçao
Germany sent an early warning to their World Cup rivals with a commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao in their opening Group E match on Sunday, while also becoming the highest-scoring nation in World Cup history.
Playing at Houston Stadium in Texas, the four time champions produced a ruthless attacking display to move past Brazil’s record of 238 World Cup goals. Germany’s seven-goal haul took their all-time tournament tally to 239, placing them alone at the top of the scoring charts.
Felix Nmecha gave Germany the perfect start when he struck in the sixth minute, but Curaçao stunned the favourites midway through the first half. Livano Comenencia’s deflected effort in the 21st minute not only leveled the score but also became Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup goal.
Germany quickly regained control. Nico Schlotterbeck headed home in the 38th minute before Kai Havertz converted a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time to hand his side a 3-1 lead at the break.
Any hopes of a Curaçao comeback disappeared moments after halftime when Jamal Musiala made it 4-1 in the 47th minute. Nathaniel Brown added a fifth in the 68th minute before Deniz Undav joined the scoresheet ten minutes later. Havertz completed the rout with his second goal of the evening in the 88th minute.
The result gives Germany an early advantage in Group E and underlines their status as one of the tournament favourites. It also stood in sharp contrast to Brazil’s opening 1-1 draw against Morocco, allowing Germany to claim another piece of World Cup history.
With confidence high and goals flowing, Germany will now turn their attention to a tougher Group E test against Côte d’Ivoire on June 20.
All 104 2026 FIFA World Cup matches will be broadcast live on GOtv and DStv’s dedicated FIFA World Cup channels.
