Germany thrashed Curaçao 7-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener, while Japan fought back twice to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
Germany Crush Curaçao 7-1 After Early Scare
Germany recovered from an early shock to begin their FIFA World Cup Group E campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao in Houston on Saturday.
Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead in the sixth minute with the fastest goal of the tournament so far, but Livano Comenencia equalised for Curaçao with a deflected strike, marking the Caribbean nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
The four-time champions regained control before half-time through Nico Schlotterbeck’s header and Kai Havertz’s penalty. Germany dominated after the break as Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav and Havertz added further goals to complete an emphatic win.
The result equalled Germany’s famous 7-1 victory over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final and saw them become the highest-scoring nation in World Cup history with 239 goals.
Japan Fight Back to Hold Netherlands in Entertaining 2-2 Draw
Japan staged a spirited late comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in one of the most eagerly awaited Group Stage fixtures of the tournament.
After a quiet first half, the match came alive following the break as the Netherlands took the lead through captain Virgil van Dijk, who headed home Ryan Gravenberch’s cross in the 51st minute. Japan responded swiftly six minutes later when Keito Nakamura’s powerful low strike beat Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
The Dutch regained the advantage in the 64th minute through Crysencio Summerville, whose composed finish capped a fine individual move. However, Japan refused to give up, and Daichi Kamada rescued a deserved point with a deft header in the 88th minute after redirecting Koki Ogawa’s effort.
Despite the Netherlands creating the better chances early on, with Donyell Malen testing goalkeeper Zion Suzuki several times, Japan’s resilience ensured both sides shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
