Germany open World Cup with 7-1 rout of Curaçao as Nmecha, Brown and Undav star
Germany began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a dominant 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao in Houston. Felix Nmecha, Nathaniel Brown and David Undav each scored and collected the highest ratings from the German press.
Opening romp
Julian Nagelsmann's side ran out comfortable winners at NRG Stadium in Houston, with goals spread across eight different scorers. Felix Nmecha opened the scoring in the sixth minute, only for Livano Comenencia to equalise for Curaçao in the 21st. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a header seven minutes before the break, and Kai Havertz converted a penalty deep into added time to make it 3-1 at half-time.
After the interval Jamal Musiala added a fourth, Nathaniel Brown made it five on his World Cup debut, and substitute David Undav struck in the 78th minute before Havertz completed the rout two minutes from time. It was Germany's second-biggest World Cup win and the first time they had scored seven in a finals match since 2002.
- Felix Nmecha scores the opener (1-0)
- Livano Comenencia equalises for Curaçao (1-1)
- Nico Schlotterbeck restores the lead with a header (2-1)
- Kai Havertz converts a penalty in stoppage time (3-1)
- Jamal Musiala makes it 4-1
- Nathaniel Brown scores on his World Cup debut (5-1)
- David Undav adds a sixth (6-1)
- Kai Havertz completes the rout (7-1)
Standout performers
Nmecha was described as the outstanding player by several outlets, scoring early and winning the penalty that Havertz converted. Brown, a quick wing-back, justified his selection with a goal and an assist, while Undav needed only half an hour as a substitute to score and set up Brown's goal with a back-heel. All three received the highest rating of 1 in German school-grade notation (1 is best, 6 worst) from the daily Focus.
Musiala produced his best international performance since recovering from a broken leg, while Havertz again showed his composure from the penalty spot. Florian Wirtz's pace and technique frequently troubled the Curaçao defence, though he lacked the final touch for a goal of his own.
Defensive questions and Neuer's return
Despite the scoreline, the defence drew some criticism. Manuel Neuer, making his first national-team appearance since retiring from international football two years ago, conceded with the first shot he faced, a deflected effort that looped over him. He had little else to do and the German press agreed that sterner tests await. Jonathan Tah was marked down for an uncharacteristic error and for complaining to the referee, while captain Joshua Kimmich was faulted for an uncommonly high number of mistakes even as he set up two goals.
Squad depth and next steps
Several substitutes and fringe players got minutes without making a case for a starting spot. Leroy Sané missed clear chances and was judged not to have made a convincing application for further starts. Antonio Rüdiger, Leon Goretzka and Waldemar Anton all appeared without a rating. Germany's next Group E match is against Ivory Coast on Saturday, 20 June, followed by Ecuador on 26 June.
