Germany kicks off their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey with a match against Curaçao on Sunday, looking to qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014.
Germany vs Curacao – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 14th June.
- Kick-off: 6pm BST.
- Venue: Houston Stadium, Houston, Texas.
Germany team news
Germany enters their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener with a mostly healthy squad under head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Manuel Neuer has recovered from a minor calf issue that kept him out of recent warm-up friendlies. He is locked in to start in goal.
However, Germany suffered a blow when 18-year-old rising star Lennart Karl tore a muscle in training. Karl was ruled out of the tournament and replaced in the 26-man roster by RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo.
Nagelsmann is leaning into a younger tactical setup for this match. He is expected to start Felix Nmecha and Aleksandar Pavlović together in the central midfield double pivot.
Additionally, youngster Nathaniel Brown is favoured to start at left-back over the more experienced David Raum. Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, and Nico Schlotterbeck will complete the defensive backline.
Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Leroy Sané will provide the attacking spark behind striker Kai Havertz.
Curacao team news
Curaçao approaches the biggest match in their football history with a fully fit squad for head coach Dick Advocaat.
Kenji Gorré has successfully proved his fitness after shaking off a minor knee issue during the warm-up period. In a major boost for the Caribbean side, striker Jürgen Locadia is completely available to play.
Locadia received a red card in a recent friendly against Scotland, but his suspension does not carry over into official World Cup tournament matches.
Advocaat will rely heavily on veteran leadership and European league experience to challenge the European giants. The Bacuna brothers, Leandro and Juninho, will anchor the central midfield alongside Livano Comenencia.
Former Manchester United youth Tahith Chong will provide pace and creativity out wide.
Eloy Room will start in goal, protected by a back four of Shurandy Sambo, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, and Sherel Floranus.
Form
Germany
Germany heads into the World Cup in fantastic shape, winning all four of their friendly matches in 2026. They kicked off the year with an exciting 4-3 victory over Switzerland. They then beat Ghana 2-1 and cruised past Finland 4-0. In their final warm-up game, they defeated the United States 2-1. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has his squad firing on all cylinders.
Curacao
Curaçao earned a historic World Cup spot after drawing 0-0 with Jamaica in late 2025. Their recent friendly results have been mixed. They suffered a tough 4-1 loss against Scotland in late May. However, the team bounced back quickly in their next match. They showed great spirit by crushing Aruba 4-0 in their final warm-up game, giving them confidence for their big tournament debut.
Predicted lineups
Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; F Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Curacao: Room; Sambo, Obispo, Gaari, Floranus; Comenencia, J Bacuna, L Bacuna; Chong, Gorre, Antonisse
How to watch Germany vs Curacao?
In the United Kingdom, you can watch the Germany vs. Curaçao match live and for free on ITV1.
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