Nagelsmann Leads Germany Into Germany Game Against Curacao
Germany open their germany game against Curacao in Houston on Sunday, bringing a four-time champion into Group E against a first-time World Cup participant. Julian Nagelsmann’s side arrive with nine straight wins in all competitions, while Curacao are trying to turn their first finals berth into something more than a debut.
Houston Opens Group E
Germany’s opener comes against a Curacao side that qualified for the 2026 finals last November and became the smallest nation by population and area to reach the tournament. Curacao’s population is less than 160,000, and the team sits 82nd in the FIFA rankings.
That gap is the core of the matchup. Germany have won the World Cup four times, in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014, but they were also sent home in the group stage in 2018 and 2022. Curacao, coached by Dick Advocaat, are making their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Nagelsmann’s Form Line
Germany’s recent run is the cleaner number in the build-up. They have won each of their last nine matches in all competitions, including friendlies against Switzerland, Ghana, Finland and the USA this year.
That form gives Nagelsmann a settled starting point. Manuel Neuer is expected to start in goal despite a calf issue, and Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz are all set to feature. Kai Havertz is set to lead the line.
Curacao’s First Test
Curacao’s warm-up results were mixed, with a 4-1 loss to Scotland at the end of May followed by a 4-0 win over Aruba. For a side that reached the finals by topping its qualifying group, Sunday is the first chance to show that the breakthrough was not a one-off.
Germany will also face Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E this summer, so the opener in Houston is the first step in a short group campaign that should set the tone quickly. Curacao’s debut gives the match its edge; Germany’s record and recent form give it its shape.
