The German national soccer team started the World Cup with a clear 7:1 (3:1) win against the blatant outsider and World Cup newcomer Curaçao. This is what the international press wrote at the start of the World Cup.
Curacao
“Curaçao.nu”: “Historic World Cup debut ends with a clear defeat against Germany.”
Brazil
“Folha de S.Paulo”: “Curaçao scores a historic goal, but Germany wins again 7-1.”
“O Globo”: “‘Now Curaçao knows what it is like’: memes spread virally on social networks after Germany won 7-1 against the Curaçao national team.”
Argentina
“Clarín”: “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven… Yes, once again Germany scored seven goals, this time at the 2026 World Cup. It showed no mercy against World Cup debutants Curaçao, whom it destroyed with a result reminiscent of the historic victory in the semi-finals of Brazil 2014 was reminiscent of when ‘Verde-Amarela’ were swept off the pitch 7-1.”
“Pagina12”: “Does Germany’s 7-1 win against World Cup newcomers Curaçao show that it is only logical that in a tournament with 48 teams there will be devastating wins? That may be so, but first of all one should remember that there was exactly the same result 12 years ago, at the World Cup in Brazil, on Tuesday, July 8, 2014. The unforgettable thing took place in Belo Horizonte back then The game Germany 7:1 Brazil took place, which was also a semi-final and not a first round game.”
“La Nación”: “Germany defeated Curaçao 7-1! The national team is repeating a sweeping victory after 12 years in order to believe in itself. A semi-final against Brazil in their country is not the same as an opening game against modest Curaçao, but the coincidence is undoubtedly striking.”
Mexico
“ESTO”: “An overwhelming debut! Germany showed no mercy against Curaçao and clearly defeated the team in their first World Cup game.”
“Mediotiempo”: “What a stunning victory! Germany crushed a fighting and respectable Curaçao. Despite the defeat, Livano Comenencia made history by scoring the first goal for Curaçao at a World Cup.”
Netherlands
“De Telegraaf”: “Dick Advocaat and Curaçao suffer a bitter defeat against Germany at the 2026 World Cup despite a sensational goal.”
“Algemeen Dagblad”: “As expected, Curaçao’s World Cup debut made it clear how big the difference is between the little dwarf and the giants of football. Germany scored one goal after the other, while national coach Dick Advocaat’s team especially celebrated the goal from Brabant’s Livano Comenencia, which will go down in the history books.”
Great Britain
“The Sun”: “Curaçao’s participation in its first World Cup is a fairy tale in itself. But similar to the Brothers Grimm, whose collection of German folk tales was full of dark themes, Julian Nagelsmann’s team ensured that there would be no happy ending.”
“Daily Mail”: “The World Cup underdogs are… Kai Havertz and Co. were crushed, while Julian Nagelsmann’s merciless team sent a clear message to the small Caribbean island with a brutal lesson.”
“The Guardian”: “Curaçao is enjoying its moment, but Havertz and ruthless Germany show no mercy.”
The Telegraph: “Jamal Musiala silences critic Jürgen Klopp as Germany crush Curaçao.”
Italy
“La Gazzetta dello Sport”: “Germany at the top of the table: Curaçao draws hope from the first World Cup goal, then a German avalanche follows.”
“Corriere dello Sport”: “A brilliant start for Germany at the 2026 World Cup – one of the favorites for the world championship title: The first game in Group E ends with a resounding victory for Nagelsmann’s team, which overruns Advocaat’s national team.”
“La Stampa”: “Convincing start for Germany: Nagelsmann’s team gets the first three points of this World Cup.”
France
“L’Equipe”: “Germany has an easy game in its opening game of the 2026 World Cup against newcomers Curaçao.”
“Le Figaro”: “After a little scare, Germany had an easy game against Curaçao.”
“Le Parisien”: “Despite the Caribbean islands’ historic goal, the team secured their first landslide victory of the World Cup.”
Austria
“Kurier”: “After a short shock: Germany clearly defeats Curacao.”
“Kronen Zeitung”: “7:1! Germany is warming up for the title hunt. In Houston, the four-time world champion had to swallow briefly after the blatant outsider equalized to make it 1-1 in the 21st minute, but then gave the kickers from the Caribbean island no chance. After the catastrophic World Cup appearances in 2018 and 2022, Julian Nagelsmann’s team set the course at least towards the knockout phase right from the start.”
“Oe24.at”: “Schützenfest 7:1 – German shooting men dismantle Curacao.”
Switzerland
“Blick”: “When FCZ professional Livano Comenencia scores to make it 1-1 in the 21st minute, the smallest World Cup participant in history briefly dreams of the sensation. In the end, however, the Germans in Houston make things very clear.”
“NZZ”: “Germany starts the World Cup with a goal feast. When record keeper Neuer makes a comeback, they score 7-1 against the blatant outsiders from the Caribbean. A short slump is manageable.”
USA
“Washington Post”: “Havertz leads Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao after the underdogs scored their historic first World Cup goal.”
“The Athletic”: “Germany confidently defeated World Cup debutants Curaçao and started the tournament with a clear 7-1 win – but only after the small Caribbean island had experienced a brilliant moment and briefly threatened to cause a surprise.”
Spain
“Marca”: “The Germans have always been known for taking things very seriously. And a World Cup is such a thing, especially when you were embarrassed in the last two editions and were already eliminated in the preliminary round.”
“AS”: “Germany destroys the “Mandarina Mecánica” (“Clockwork Orange”). Curaçao’s World Cup debut ended, as expected, in a resounding defeat, although Comenencia’s equalizer will go down in history. Congratulations to the team!”
“Mundo Deportivo”: “Germany experienced a moment of shock, but managed another 7-1 win – this time against Curaçao.”
