Germany vs Curacao, FIFA World Cup 2026: Kai Havertz registered a brace as Germany sealed an easy 7-1 victory. Follow highlights of the Group E match between Germany and debutants Curacao in Houston
Kai Havertz scored twice as Julian Nagelsmann’s side ran riot to hand the FIFA World Cup newcomers a harsh lesson.
Germany goals: Nmecha (6), Schlotterbeck (38) Havertz (45+5 pen), Musiala (47), Brown (68), Undav (78), Havertz (88) Curaçao goal: Comenecia (21)
Germany inflicted a chastening defeat on FIFA World Cup™ debutants Curaçao at Houston Stadium.
The four-time world champions made an ominous start, taking the lead after Felix Nmecha combined with Florian Wirtz and steered a superb first-time finish into the far corner.
Curaçao had barely laid a glove on Julian Nagelsmann’s team when some defensive uncertainty allowed Livano Comenencia to nestle a deflected effort beyond the despairing dive of returning World Cup 2014 winner Manuel Neuer, sparking jubilant scenes in sections of the stands.
But the joy was short-lived. Nico Schlotterbeck headed home unmarked from a corner, before Kai Havertz rolled in a penalty after Riechedly Bazoer had upended Nmecha, giving Germany a commanding half-time cushion.

Things went from bad to worse for Curaçao as Jamal Musiala latched onto Joshua Kimmich’s defence-splitting pass and swept into the bottom corner within minutes of the restart.
Nathaniel Brown marked his World Cup debut with a composed volleyed finish, before substitute Deniz Undav added a sixth Germany goal from close range. Havertz completed his brace late on to leave the smallest nation in tournament history to reflect on a heavy loss.
Germany assume control of Group E, while Curaçao’s attentions turn to a crunch encounter with Ecuador on 20 June.
| Group E | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Form | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 3 | —- | |
| 2 | Côte d’Ivoire | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | —- | |
| 3 | Ecuador | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 | —- | |
| 4 | Curaçao | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 | —- | |
