Curaçao Scores Historic First World Cup Goal in 7-1 Loss to Germany
Germany opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 7-1 win over debutants Curaçao, but the Caribbean side etched their name in history by scoring their first-ever World Cup goal.
Making their maiden appearance at football’s premier tournament, Curaçao stunned the four‑time champions midway through the first half when Livano Comenencia found the net in the 21st minute, a landmark moment for a nation of just 156,000 people – the smallest country ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
The early goal briefly silenced Germany after an electric start from Julian Nagelsmann’s side, which had taken the lead six minutes earlier through Felix Nmecha’s curled finish from the edge of the box following a neat exchange with Florian Wirtz.
Curaçao responded with a flowing passing move that ended with Comenencia’s effort beating veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer via a deflection, sparking brief hopes of an upset.
Germany quickly restored order as Nico Schlotterbeck headed home from a Nathaniel Brown delivery to make it 2‑1, before Kai Havertz converted a penalty in first‑half stoppage time after Nmecha was fouled inside the area.
Any hopes of a Curaçao comeback vanished early in the second half when Jamal Musiala struck within two minutes of the restart, finishing neatly from a Joshua Kimmich through ball.
The goals continued to flow as Brown volleyed in his first international goal, Deniz Undav added a sixth, and Havertz completed his brace late on with a composed finish over goalkeeper Eloy Room.
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