This could be the first hammering of the tournament
Germany get their 2026 World Cup campaign underway on Sunday evening when they take on tournament debutants Curaçao in Houston.
On paper, this looks like one of the most one-sided fixtures of the opening round. Germany arrive in North America carrying a nine-match winning streak and boasting one of the most talented attacking units in the competition, while Curaçao are making history as the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side have quietly built momentum over the last 12 months. Germany have won their last nine matches in all competitions and have been scoring freely, netting 18 goals across their previous five outings.
Curaçao, managed by veteran coach Dick Advocaat, deserve enormous credit for reaching the tournament. The Caribbean nation topped their qualifying group to secure a first-ever World Cup appearance and arrive with nothing to lose. However, facing Germany in their opening game represents a huge step up in quality.
Germany know they cannot afford a slow start after suffering group-stage exits at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. A convincing victory here would immediately put them in control of Group E ahead of clashes with Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Germany to win to nil
Germany’s defensive record has been just as impressive as their attacking output during their recent winning run. Nagelsmann’s side have conceded very few clear chances and will expect to dominate possession against a Curaçao team likely to spend long periods defending deep. Several analysts have highlighted a Germany win without conceding as one of the standout selections for this fixture.
Curaçao managed just one goal in a recent 4-1 defeat to Scotland and are unlikely to create many opportunities against a German backline featuring the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck.
Kai Havertz anytime goalscorer
With Germany expected to dominate territory and possession, there should be plenty of chances for the man leading the line.
Havertz heads into the tournament in excellent form and remains one of Germany’s most reliable goalscoring outlets. The Arsenal forward has already scored 22 goals for his country and is expected to spearhead the attack alongside creative stars Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.
Against a Curaçao defence that will be under relentless pressure for much of the contest, Havertz looks well placed to get on the scoresheet and potentially add more than one goal.
Score Prediction: Germany 4-0 Curaçao
