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Germany vs Curacao LIVE SCORE FIFA World Cup: GER 6-1 CUR in 2nd half; NED in action later on | FIFA World Cup 2026
Germany overcame an early scare to take firm control of its FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, heading into half-time with a commanding 3-1 lead against tournament debutants Curaçao at Houston Stadium on Sunday.
The four-time world champions made the perfect start, needing just six minutes to break the deadlock. Lukas Nmecha capped off an enterprising opening spell with a composed finish into the right corner after Germany’s attacking pressure pinned Curaçao deep inside its own half.
Germany continued to dominate possession and territory, with Nmecha and Florian Wirtz both going close to extending the advantage. However, Curaçao responded in remarkable fashion in what was the nation’s first-ever World Cup match.
Against the run of play, Jeremy Antonisse Comenencia stunned the German supporters in the 21st minute. The midfielder unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area that beat Manuel Neuer and flew into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Caribbean side and their travelling fans.
The equaliser briefly injected belief into Curaçao, but Germany quickly reasserted its authority. Leroy Sané, Wirtz and Nmecha continued to stretch the opposition defence, while Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room was forced into several important saves.
Germany’s pressure finally told again in the 38th minute when Nico Schlotterbeck rose highest from a corner to glance a header into the bottom corner and restore his side’s lead.
The closing moments of the half brought further frustration for Curaçao. Nmecha was brought down inside the box during stoppage time, and Kai Havertz calmly converted the resulting penalty to make it 3-1.
After Curaçao’s dream equaliser threatened an upset, Germany finished the half in ruthless fashion and now appears firmly in control heading into the final 45 minutes.
Main event of the night
Later in the day, attention shifts to Group F where the Netherlands face Japan in what could be one of the most competitive opening matches of the group stage. Ronald Koeman’s side have been hampered by injuries, with key players including Jurrien Timber, Matthijs de Ligt, Jerdy Schouten and Xavi Simons unavailable. The Dutch will therefore rely heavily on captain Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch to guide them through a tricky opener.
Japan arrive with concerns of their own after captain Wataru Endo was ruled out of the tournament, while winger Kaoru Mitoma is also absent. However, the Samurai Blue still possess plenty of attacking quality through Takefusa Kubo, Junya Ito and Ayase Ueda, and will look to continue their reputation as one of the World Cup’s most dangerous giant-killers.
Germany vs Curacao probable starting XI
Germany: Manuel Neuer, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown, Jamal Musiala, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sane, Felix Nmecha, Kai Havertz
Curacao: Eloy Room, Sherel Floranus, Armando Obispo, Riechedly Bazoer, Deveron Fonville, Juninho Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna, Tahith Chong, Juergen Locadia, Sontje Hansen
FIFA World Cup 2026 live telecast: The live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on the Unite8 Sports Network.
FIFA World Cup 2026 live streaming: The live streaming of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches between will be available on the ZEE5 app and website.
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