Germany begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a win over debutants Curaçao in a Group E match in Houston. Curaçao score their first-ever World Cup goal during the game, briefly equalising against Germany before Germany restore their lead. Sources report the match ends with Germany winning 7-1. Deutsche Welle says this is Germany’s first opening match win at the World Cup since their 2014 title-winning campaign. Other reports describe the early period as an “early scare,” while confirming the final margin. Several outlets emphasise the historical significance for Curaçao despite the defeat, including a moment that draws recognition after the team’s first World Cup goal. Preview and live-update coverage from multiple outlets frames the fixture as a mismatch, with Germany entering as major tournament contenders and Curaçao as newcomers in their opening match. Across the reports, the shared outcome is Germany’s 7-1 victory, Germany taking the lead again after Curaçao’s first goal, and Curaçao marking their tournament debut with a historic strike.