Germany vs Curacao - 2026 World Cup Preview
Germany open their World Cup campaign against debutants Curacao in Group E, arriving on the back of nine consecutive wins.
World Cup
Germany face Curacao on Sunday in Houston, with Julian Nagelsmann's side heavy favourites to claim all three points. After back-to-back group stage exits in 2018 and 2022, Germany are determined to restore their reputation as a world power, and arrive in fine form — nine straight wins including friendlies against Switzerland, Ghana, Finland and co-hosts USA. Havertz, Musiala, Wirtz and Sané are all expected to start, with Manuel Neuer set to feature despite a minor calf concern. Group E is completed by Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Curacao, meanwhile, make history simply by being here — the Blue Wave are the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, both by population (under 160,000) and area. Veteran coach Dick Advocaat will have a plan, and there are recognisable names in the squad — captain Leandro Bacuna, his brother Juninho, and former Manchester United youngster Tahith Chong leading the attack.
Predicted lineups:
Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; F. Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Curacao: Room; Sambo, Obispo, Gaari, Floranus; Comenencia, J. Bacuna, L. Bacuna; Chong, Gorre, Antonisse