World Cup 2026: Havertz sparks Germany’s 7-1 rout of Curacao after underdogs’ historic first goal

Kai Havertz scored twice as Germany pulled away from World Cup debutants Curaçao late in the first half and powered to a 7-1 win on Sunday in their group match.

Livano Comenencia stunned Germany when he levelled at 1-1 in the 21st minute, firing a left-footed shot through traffic from the centre of the box.

It marked Curaçao’s first-ever goal in a World Cup match, triggering celebrations among supporters of the small Caribbean nation.

Germany regain control before half-time

Germany responded strongly, regaining the lead through Nico Schlotterbeck’s header from Nathaniel Brown’s corner in the 38th minute.

Havertz then converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Felix Nmecha was fouled by Riechedly Bazoer, extending the lead to 3-1.

Second-half onslaught seals dominant win

Germany wasted no time after the break, with Jamal Musiala scoring in the 47th minute.

Brown added a fifth in the 68th minute, Deniz Undav struck in the 78th, and Havertz completed his brace in the 88th minute.

The margin fell short of the World Cup record nine-goal winning margin, last seen when Hungary beat El Salvador 10-1 in 1982.

Strong start for Germany’s redemption push

Nmecha opened the scoring in the sixth minute, finishing from Florian Wirtz’s assist.

The result gives Germany an emphatic start as they seek redemption after early exits in Russia and Qatar following their 2014 title win.

Milestones and records in focus

Manuel Neuer, 40, made his first international appearance in nearly two years after coming out of retirement, making one save in the match.

The fixture also featured the largest age gap between coaches in World Cup history, with Curaçao’s 78-year-old Dick Advocaat facing 38-year-old Julian Nagelsmann.

Germany face Ivory Coast in Toronto on Saturday, while Curaçao take on Ecuador in Kansas City.World Cup 2026