Germany Run Riot: Seven Past Curacao in a World Cup Rout
Updated 17 June 2026.
Germany vs Curaçao at World Cup 2026 ended 7-1 to Germany, the biggest win of the tournament so far, with Kai Havertz scoring twice and six different names on the scoresheet at NRG Stadium. Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup, briefly levelled through Juriën Comenencia, but Germany’s class told emphatically as they ran riot in Houston in front of more than 68,000 fans.
| Match facts | Detail |
|---|---|
| Result | Germany 7-1 Curaçao |
| Competition | World Cup 2026, Group E |
| Venue | NRG Stadium, Houston (att. 68,021) |
| Germany scorers | Nmecha 6′, Schlotterbeck 38′, Havertz 45+5′ pen & 88′, Musiala 47′, Brown 68′, Undav 78′ |
| Curaçao scorer | Comenencia 21′ |
How Germany ran riot
Germany started fast, Felix Nmecha opening the scoring inside six minutes. Curaçao stunned the crowd when Juriën Comenencia levelled on 21, but the response was overwhelming. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead on 38, Kai Havertz made it 3-1 from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time, and Jamal Musiala struck two minutes after the break to end the contest.
From there it became an exhibition. Substitutes added gloss, with goals through the second half taking Germany to seven, and Havertz completing his brace on 88. Seven different phases of attack, seven goals, and a statement of intent from a side under pressure to deliver at this tournament.
Curaçao’s moment in the sun
For 17 minutes after their equaliser, Curaçao could dream. The smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a World Cup, they had already made history simply by being here, and Comenencia’s goal will live long in the memory back home. Germany’s quality eventually proved far too much, but the occasion still belonged, in part, to the debutants.
What it means for Group E
The win put Germany top of Group E on goal difference, level on three points with Côte d’Ivoire, who beat Ecuador 1-0 on the same day. That plus-six goal difference is a significant early cushion in a format where the margin can decide the group and the third-placed race. Track it on our standings page.
What is next
Both teams return to Group E action, with fixtures on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. This was one of four games on a goal-filled day four; see the full rundown in our World Cup 2026 June 14 results round-up, and the format in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score in Germany vs Curaçao?
Germany beat Curaçao 7-1 in their World Cup 2026 Group E opener on 14 June at NRG Stadium, the biggest win of the tournament so far. Kai Havertz scored twice.
Who scored in Germany’s 7-1 win over Curaçao?
Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (two, including a penalty), Jamal Musiala and substitutes were among the scorers. Juriën Comenencia scored Curaçao’s goal.
Why is Curaçao’s World Cup appearance historic?
Curaçao are the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a men’s World Cup, making their 2026 debut a landmark, and Comenencia’s goal against Germany a memorable moment despite the heavy defeat.
Source: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E.
