Germany, one of the most decorated nations in history with four world titles, begin their tournament against one of the great underdogs of 2026. Die Mannschaft are looking to recover the standing that defined them for decades and start as favourites in Group E, completed by Ivory Coast and Ecuador. The opener against Curacao is a chance to begin on the front foot.
Curacao seal one of the most astonishing qualifications of the tournament: a tiny Caribbean island, with a minimal population, breaking into the world's top 48. For the Curacaoans, debuting against a giant like Germany is the reward for a historic process. With no pressure and plenty of belief, they will look to leave their mark on football's biggest stage.
Goals and cards
Germany (7)
Felix Nmecha 6'Nico Schlotterbeck 38'Kai Havertz 45'+5 (pen)Jamal Musiala 47'Nathaniel Brown 68'Deniz Undav 78'Kai Havertz 88'
Spain, 2026 world champions1-0 vs Argentina · after extra timeView bracket
Germany
Curacao
