Germany got their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign off to a dream start with a thrashing 7-1 victory over Curaçao in Houston.
“There were a lot of positives,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann, who will have plenty of reasons to feel confident moving forward.
Here are seven reasons why this German side could be a real contender.
Opponents will dread set pieces
Be it corners or free kicks, Germany have dangerous weapons at their disposal. The second goal, scored by Nico Schlotterbeck, was the perfect example. The Borussia Dortmund man had twice threatened at the far post on previous corners, but with Curaçao marking him tight at the far post, Brown switched it up and delivered to the near post. Schlotterbeck timed his run to perfection and flicked a header home. All those drills with set-piece coach Mads Buttgereit seem to be paying off.
Neuer’s big moment is yet to come
It was a very one-sided match and certainly not the kind of game where Manuel Neuer could shine. He had anticipated correctly for Curaçao’s goal and dived the right way. “If the shot hadn’t been deflected, I’d have got there. But it was just too close for me to react,” he said.
Now the oldest German international of all time (aged 40 years and 79 days), Neuer also joined an exclusive group of players to have played in a World Cup 12 years after lifting the trophy. His next appearance will see him set a new World Cup record for the most appearances by a goalkeeper, and would anyone be brave enough to bet against him stepping up to the plate when Germany need him most?
Musiala answers the call
Over the last few days, much has been said about Jamal Musiala in the German media. If the Bayern man actually got wind of any of it, it only seemed to spur him on. Musiala was back to his best against Curaçao, making several successful trademark dribbles in tight spaces. His first World Cup goal will be another boon as he edges his way back to top form.
New-look midfield in control
Germany have rebuilt their engine room since EURO 2024. “We get on really well, both on and off the pitch,” said Aleksandar Pavlovic of Felix Nmecha, his partner in the middle of the pitch. “The best bit is playing tiki-taka combinations with him.”
The duo gelled very well at times against Curaçao, but the challenges that lie in store will reveal whether this could be a partnership that could shape Germany’s style of play for years to come.
Threats from all angles
Six different players got their names on the scoresheet against the Blue Wave – only Kai Havertz bagged a brace – but Germany posed a threat from a number of positions. While they did not make the most off all of their chances, Nagelsmann was quick to praise his players. “It’s not so easy to score seven goals,” said the coach.
Brown hits his stride
Nathaniel Brown seems to be unfazed by the speculation that he might be on the move to Bayern Munich. The full-back repaid Nagelsmann’s faith in him with his attacking play against Curaçao, and further cemented his status as first-choice left-back ahead of David Raum.
It turned out to be the perfect day for the Eintracht Frankfurt man: “It’s incredible that I scored on my World Cup debut,” he told MagentaTV. “My family is here, it’s just unbelievable.”
Wirtz lets others shine
Florian Wirtz may not have ended up on the scoresheet, but he did exactly what all his former coaches have praised him so highly for. The 23-year-old made excellent decisions, set up his team-mates brilliantly and assisted Nmecha for the opening goal.
However, it was his defensive effort that truly stood out. Towards the end of the first half, Curaçao broke quickly, but Wirtz tracked back, not letting up until he had regained possession just outside his own penalty area. It is precisely that kind of team spirit that will be essential for Germany, not least given the shortcomings that were sometimes apparent in the first line of defence when Curaçao looked to launch counter-attacks.
Credit: FIFA
