Livano Comenencia fired Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup goal to briefly level the score, but the four-time champions responded with six unanswered strikes in Houston
Germany opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a merciless 7-1 thrashing of tournament debutants Curaçao at NRG Stadium in Houston, though the Caribbean side briefly celebrated a historic moment when Livano Comenencia scored their first-ever goal at the finals.
Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead in the sixth minute, but Curaçao stunned the four-time champions in the 20th minute when Comenencia fired home a shock equaliser. The goal sent the small island nation’s supporters into delirium, marking the first time Curaçao had found the net on football’s biggest stage.
📢 GET A DETAILED ARTICLES + JOBS
Join ASJ's WhatsApp Channel and never miss a post or opportunity.
Germany responded ruthlessly. Nico Schlotterbeck nodded the Germans back ahead in the 38th minute, and Kai Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time. Jamal Musiala struck just seconds into the second half, breaking Curaçao’s spirit. Deniz Undav, who came off the bench in the 63rd minute, delivered a masterclass, scoring once and assisting two goals in just 27 minutes. Nathaniel Brown and Undav added further strikes to complete the 7-1 rout.
Germany dominated possession with 65 percent and registered 26 shots, 11 on target, while limiting Curaçao to just six attempts. German passing accuracy stood at 89 percent compared to Curaçao’s 84 percent.
The match marked the first senior international meeting between Germany and Curaçao in football history. The 7-1 scoreline set the highest winning margin of the 2026 World Cup so far and represented a historic recurring scoreline for Germany, mirroring their famous 2014 semi-final triumph over Brazil.
Star midfielder Musiala gave Germany a brief fright after screaming in pain from an ankle knock, but he managed to limp off before being substituted as a precaution. Julian Nagelsmann’s side showcased total control, turning a tight first half into a clinical second-half rout.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, the result puts Germany top of Group E with three points and a commanding goal difference. For Curaçao, despite the heavy defeat, Comenencia’s historic goal will be remembered as a milestone for the island nation on their World Cup debut.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on June 14, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
🏟️ Discover More Sports Stories
Looking for more in-depth sports news, interviews, and features? Visit Accra Sports News — your go-to for exclusive sports content in Ghana and beyond.
Disclaimer: Some content on Accra Street Journal may be aggregated, summarized, or edited from third-party sources for informational purposes. Images and media are used under fair use or royalty-free licenses. Accra Street Journal is a subsidiary of SamBoad Publishing Hub under SamBoad Business Group Ltd, registered in Ghana since 2014.
For concerns or inquiries, please visit our Privacy Policy or Contact Page.
Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
