Germany opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over debutants Curaçao in Houston, with Kai Havertz leading the charge through two goals and a penalty conversion. Felix Nmecha opened scoring in the sixth minute before Livano Comenencia equalized for the Caribbean side in the 21st. Germany responded emphatically, with Nico Schlotterbeck heading home before halftime and Havertz converting a spot-kick in stoppage time.

The match marked a historic moment as Dick Advocaat, 78, became the oldest coach in World Cup history, facing 38-year-old Julian Nagelsmann in the tournament's largest age-gap coaching matchup. A crowd of 68,021 witnessed Germany's dominant second-half display, featuring goals from Jamal Musiala, Brown, Deniz Undav, and Havertz's late strike. Meanwhile, Manuel Neuer made his return from international retirement with a single save in goal.

For Germany, this represented an ideal start as they seek redemption following group-stage exits in Russia and Qatar. Curaçao's historic appearance as the smallest nation ever to qualify provided a memorable moment, though their World Cup debut ended in heavy defeat. The four-time champions showed their class with clinical finishing and controlled possession throughout.

Germany now faces Ivory Coast in Toronto while Curaçao meets Ecuador in Kansas City, both matches scheduled for Saturday. The lopsided result fell short of the World Cup record margin of nine goals, last seen in Hungary's 10-1 thrashing of El Salvador in 1982.