HOUSTON— Germany will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against tournament debutants Curaçao on Sunday, with head coach Julian Nagelsmann urging his players to avoid complacency despite entering the Group E fixture as clear favorites.
The four-time world champions are seeking their first victory in an opening World Cup match since 2014 after suffering defeats in their opening games at the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. FIFA said the match at Houston Stadium will also mark the first meeting between the two nations at a World Cup.
Nagelsmann said Germany's immediate focus is on making a strong start rather than looking beyond the group stage, stressing that the team's recent World Cup history demonstrates the importance of securing early points.
"We know exactly what is at stake," Nagelsmann said in comments published by FIFA ahead of the match, warning that underestimating an opponent could prove costly after Germany's disappointing campaigns at the previous two World Cups.
Curaçao, appearing at its first FIFA World Cup after qualifying through the CONCACAF competition, arrives with little external expectation but considerable motivation. The Caribbean nation earned its place at the finals by edging Jamaica during qualifying, according to FIFA, becoming the smallest nation by both population and territory to reach the men's World Cup.
Veteran coach Dick Advocaat said the pressure rests squarely on Germany, while his players intend to embrace the occasion in what will be a landmark moment for football in Curaçao. FIFA reported that Advocaat has encouraged his squad to play without fear against one of the tournament's traditional powers.
Germany enters the tournament with an experienced core featuring captain Joshua Kimmich alongside attacking players such as Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz and Leroy Sané. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was selected to start after returning to international duty, according to the German Football Association's published lineup.
The Group E opener forms part of the first round of matches in the expanded 48-team World Cup. Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador will meet later the same day in the group's other fixture, with the early standings expected to shape the race for progression to the knockout stage.
Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday in Houston, where Germany will attempt to begin its campaign with three points while Curaçao seeks a historic result in its first appearance on football's biggest stage.
