Germany launched their 2026 World Cup bid in devastating fashion on Tuesday. Julian Nagelsmann's squad demolished debutants Curaçao 7-1 in a Group E romp.
Felix Nmecha struck just six minutes in. Florian Wirtz's pinpoint cross from the Borussia Dortmund flank made it easy for the midfielder to volley past the keeper.
Germany looked set for a routine evening. But Curaçao had other ideas for now.
Livano Comenencia shocked the four-time champions in the 21st minute. Loose German defending gifted the Caribbean side their first-ever World Cup goal, and their fans erupted.
Joy didn't last long for the underdogs. Germany tightened up before halftime with two quick strikes.
Nico Schlotterbeck powered in a header from a corner at 38 minutes. Kai Havertz then calmly slotted a penalty as the first half wound down, making it 3-1.
Curaçao showed flashes of determination throughout. But Germany's relentless pressure proved too much.
Jamal Musiala made it 4-1 just after the restart with a clinical finish. Two minutes later, Nathaniel Brown marked his World Cup debut with another goal.
By now the contest was over. Nagelsmann started rotating his personnel, bringing on fresh faces like Leon Goretzka and Antonio Rüdiger.
Germany's intensity hardly wavered though. The hosts kept finding the net with ease.
Deniz Undav tapped in a sixth goal in the 78th minute. An unmarked finish capped yet another flowing German move.
Havertz then produced the game's standout moment. He spotted goalkeeper Eloy Room stranded off his line and lobbed him from distance to seal 7-1.
It matched Germany's legendary 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the 2014 semi-final. That was the tournament they won.
According to FIFA records, Germany now tops all nations with 239 World Cup goals. They've overtaken Brazil on that historic list.
Nagelsmann's men have sent rivals a clear message. A fifth world title appears firmly in their sights.
