FIFA World Cup 2026: Germany Nets 7 as Japan Draws the Netherlands

Germany launched its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion with a 7-1 victory over Curacao in its Group E opener at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday.

Germany took a 3-1 lead over the World Cup debutant at halftime with the four-time world champion dominating possession and chances for most of the time.

Curacao’s Livano Comenencia netted one in the 21st minute, the Caribbean side’s first-ever goal at a World Cup finals, before the Germans added six more goals, including four in the second half.

Germany arrived at the 2026 World Cup eager to revive its fortunes after enduring disappointing campaigns in the previous two tournaments, having exited at the group stage in both 2018 and 2022 despite winning the title in Brazil in 2014.

Curacao will seek its first World Cup point against Ecuador in its next Group E fixture, while Germany plays 2023 Africa Cup of Nations champion Cote d’Ivoire. (P)

In another high scoring match Sweden recorded a stunning 5–1 victory over African nation Tunisia.

The Group ‘F’ clash, at Estadio BBVA, saw Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari score twice.

Tunisia, trailing 2–0, pulled one back, but it wasn’t enough to stop Sweden’s dominance.

With this emphatic win, Sweden collected three points and now sits at the top of the Group F standings. (P)

Asian powerhouse Japan, despite falling behind twice, snatched a point against European giant Netherlands in the other match from Group F.

The match, played at the AT&T Stadium, ended in a 2–2 draw. (P)

Amad Diallo scored in the final minute of regulation time to give Cote d’Ivoire a thrilling 1–0 victory over Ecuador in the other match.

The match, at Philadelphia Stadium, saw Diallo come on as a substitute in the second half.

In the three matches lined up for Tuesday, Belgium faces Egypt in Group G encounter at 12:45 midnight NST.

Uruguay will face Asian qualifier Saudi Arabia at 3:45 am NST in Group H encounter while the most awaited match of the day will be the Group G clash between Iran and New Zealand scheduled at 6:45 am NST.