Debutants Curaçao Score First-Ever World Cup Goal In 8-goal Thriller Against Germany

Germany opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion with a 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao, but the Caribbean nation still carved out a slice of history by scoring their first-ever World Cup goal.

Playing in their maiden appearance at football’s biggest tournament, Curaçao stunned the four-time world champions midway through the first half when Livano Comenencia found the net in a landmark moment for the nation of just 156,000 people, the smallest country ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.

The historic strike came in the 21st minute and briefly silenced Germany after an electric start from Julian Nagelsmann’s side.

Germany had gone ahead after only six minutes when Felix Nmecha curled home from the edge of the area following a neat exchange with Florian Wirtz. The Europeans looked in complete control before Curaçao produced a flowing passing move that ended with Comenencia’s effort beating veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer via a deflection.

For a few moments, the underdogs dared to dream. Germany, however, quickly restored order. Nico Schlotterbeck headed home from a Nathaniel Brown delivery to make it 2-1 before Kai Havertz extended the lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after Nmecha was fouled inside the box.

Any hopes of a Curaçao comeback disappeared shortly after the restart. Jamal Musiala struck within two minutes of the second half, finishing neatly from Joshua Kimmich’s through ball.

The goals continued to flow as Brown volleyed in his first international goal, Deniz Undav added a sixth, and Havertz completed his brace late on with a composed finish over goalkeeper Eloy Room.