The goals, minute by minute
- 6'Felix NmechaGoal · 1-0
- 21'Livano ComenenciaGoal · 1-1
- 38'Nico SchlotterbeckGoal · 2-1
- 45'+5'Kai HavertzPenalty · 3-1
- 47'Jamal MusialaGoal · 4-1
- 68'Nathaniel BrownGoal · 5-1
- 78'Deniz UndavGoal · 6-1
- 88'Kai HavertzGoal · 7-1
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Head-to-Head
No history: the first-ever meeting. It is Curaçao's outright World Cup debut as the smallest nation ever to qualify (≈150,000 inhabitants).
Recent form
- Germany: solid, 5 wins in 6 qualifiers, 4th place at the 2025 Nations League. Generational rebuild under Nagelsmann with Wirtz, Musiala and Havertz. Chasing a first title since 2014 after two straight group-stage exits (2018, 2022).
- Curaçao: an almost flawless CONCACAF qualifying campaign, topping a group with Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Bermuda. Historic debutant coached by Dick Advocaat.
Squad status
- Germany: Musiala recovered from a serious injury (around 95%, sharpness a doubt). Ter Stegen injured: Manuel Neuer comes out of retirement in goal.
- Curaçao: a squad of players with European pedigree, Locadia, Tahith Chong, Kenji Gorré, captain Leandro Bacuna, goalkeeper Eloy Room.
Factor matrix
| Factor | Edge for |
|---|---|
| Head-to-head | Neutral |
| Recent form | Germany |
| Squad status | Germany |
| Motivation | Neutral |
| Pedigree/individual level | Germany |
| Surprise | Curaçao (very slight) |
Prediction
Most likely result: Germany 3 - 0 Curaçao (alternative: 2-0)
- Germany win: 91%
- Draw: 6%
- Curaçao win: 3%
Player to watch: Florian Wirtz / Jamal Musiala (Germany) · Tahith Chong (Curaçao)
Final verdict
Germany are overwhelming favorites (1/20 with bookmakers, 90.7% in the Opta supercomputer). The gap in level, depth and experience is huge. Curaçao will sit deep and look for the odd transition with their Europe-based players, but a comfortable German win by several goals is the most likely outcome. Confidence: HIGH.