Germany defeat debutants Curaçao 7-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match in Houston. Felix Nmecha gives Germany an early lead with a goal in the sixth minute, but Curaçao respond to briefly level the game in the first half through Livano Comenencia, who scores from a deflected strike. Germany take control later: Nico Schlotterbeck heads in to make it 2-1 in the 38th minute, and Kai Havertz converts a penalty to extend the lead before halftime. In the second half, Germany score repeatedly as Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav add further goals. Havertz completes his brace to bring the final score to 7-1. Curaçao also record a historic moment by scoring their first-ever World Cup goal, which prompts celebrations despite the heavy defeat. Several reports note the result comes after Germany had gone without group-stage progression previously, and it positions them ahead in their group, with tougher matches expected versus other group rivals such as Ecuador and Ivory Coast.