Germany launched its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion on Sunday, crushing tournament debutant Curacao 7-1 in Houston to end a 12-year wait for an opening-match victory and extend its winning streak to 10 consecutive games.
The four-time world champions delivered one of the tournament’s most convincing performances, easing concerns that had lingered after disappointing group-stage exits in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The dominant victory also strengthened belief that Julian Nagelsmann’s side can contend for a fifth world title as it seeks to restore Germany’s reputation among international football’s elite.
Germany entered the tournament determined to erase memories of its recent World Cup disappointments. Since lifting the trophy in Brazil in 2014, the national team has failed to make a significant impact on the global stage, making Sunday’s result an important psychological step for both players and supporters.
Although Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, Germany did not have everything its own way early in the contest. The Germans created numerous opportunities during the opening stages but squandered several clear chances through poor finishing before eventually taking control.
Nagelsmann’s team looked composed throughout much of the first half but lacked the clinical edge expected from a tournament favorite. That changed after halftime as Germany increased the tempo and overwhelmed Curacao with relentless attacking football, turning a comfortable lead into a comprehensive victory.
The German coach made a notable selection decision by starting Jamal Musiala while leaving Bundesliga standout Deniz Undav on the bench. Musiala, who continues his recovery after missing six months following a broken leg suffered last year, showed encouraging signs even though he is still working toward his best form.
One of Germany’s biggest positives came from 22-year-old Nathaniel Brown, who produced arguably the finest display of his international career. The Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder justified his surprise inclusion in the World Cup squad by scoring one goal and providing another, underlining his growing importance within Nagelsmann’s plans.
Brown’s combination play with substitute Undav also offered a glimpse of Germany’s attacking depth. Introduced in the second half, Undav immediately influenced the match by assisting Brown’s goal before finding the net himself and later setting up Kai Havertz for Germany’s seventh goal.
Undav’s contribution continued an impressive run of form. The striker has now scored three goals in his last three international appearances after finishing as the Bundesliga’s second-highest scorer behind Harry Kane last season.
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Germany is unlikely to become complacent. More demanding tests await in Group E, beginning with Ivory Coast before a meeting with Ecuador. Those matches will provide a far clearer indication of Germany’s credentials as a genuine title contender.
Still, the victory accomplished exactly what Germany needed. It restored confidence, delivered an important goal-difference advantage and demonstrated the squad’s attacking quality as the tournament begins to gather momentum.
While one result alone cannot define a World Cup campaign, Germany’s convincing performance suggested that Nagelsmann’s rebuilding project continues to make significant progress. If the four-time champions can reproduce the same intensity and sharpen their finishing against stronger opponents, they may finally be ready to reestablish themselves among football’s dominant powers.
