Germany shrugs off historic Curacao goal to claim dominant 7-1 win

Four-time champion Germany opened its 2026 World Cup campaign with a 7-1 win over tournament debutant Curacao on Sunday. Curacao, the smallest nation to ever qualify for the competition, recorded its first World Cup goal when Livano Comenencia equalized in the 21st minute to cancel out Felix Nmecha's early opener in Houston.

But Germany recovered and took total control from there, scoring six unanswered goals to claim the commanding Group E victory. Kai Havertz led the way for the Germans with a brace, including a delightful 88th-minute chip to cap the rout. More to come. Check back for updates.