Germany begin their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign against debutants Curaçao
Coach Julian Nagelsmann warns against complacency and discusses his starting XI
Curaçao boss Dick Advocaat says his team are under no pressure against Die Mannschaft
begin their campaign with a clear goal in mind. Against World Cup newcomers Julian Nagelsmann’s side will be seen by many observers as heavy favourites . Yet for the four-time world champions, this match is not only about three important points, but also about ending a long wait.
Germany’s last opening-match victory at a World Cup finals came 12 years ago. In 2014, they began the tournament with a resounding 4-0 win over Portugal before going on to lift the trophy in Brazil a few weeks later. Since then, however, they have suffered two false starts that set the tone early for disappointing campaigns: a 1-0 defeat by Mexico in Russia in 2018 and a 2-1 loss to Japan in 2022. On both occasions, Germany exited the tournament at the group stage. Nagelsmann and his players are determined to avoid an unwanted hat-trick in North America.
The Germany coach is fully aware of the importance of the opening game. Ahead of the match, he compared the balance of power to a first-round tie in the DFB Pokal.
“They [Curaçao] are not going into the tournament as favourites, and that makes them dangerous," Nagelsmann said. "It is like in the DFB Pokal, where you always get these .” His objective, however, is clear: Germany want to begin Group E with three points before facing Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador.
Nagelsmann offered several pieces of team news during his press conference. Manuel Neuer, who had recently been struggling with a calf injury, will start in goal and make his 125th international appearance. For the 40-year-old keeper, a world champion in 2014, it will be a fifth World Cup finals.
Nathaniel Brown, meanwhile, is on the verge of his World Cup debut. The 22-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt defender will start at left-back in a back four and has been given the nod ahead of David Raum for a match in which Germany are likely to expect plenty of possession, control and width. For the five-cap international, it is a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage, while Nagelsmann will hope the selection gives his side dynamism and courage going forward on the left flank.
Jamal Musiala will also be firmly in the spotlight. The Bayern Munich forward is not yet fully back to 100 per cent after his serious injury, but he is nevertheless expected to start. Nagelsmann explained that decision with a mixture of trust and necessity: Musiala can only take the final steps back to his best form by getting minutes on the pitch.
“He needs playing time and has already improved from training session to training session," Nagelsmann said. "We trust him completely and need him if we are to have a good World Cup." Against a deep-lying defensive block, Musiala’s ability to unlock tight spaces and his understanding with in attack could prove decisive.
From a tactical perspective, Germany are likely to require a great deal of patience. Curaçao will not want to allow the favourites lengthy spells of comfortable possession. Instead, they are expected to defend compactly and break quickly after winning the ball. Nagelsmann duly warned against opponents who are physically strong, possess considerable technical quality and, shaped by their Dutch footballing education, could be extremely uncomfortable to play against.
For Curaçao, the match is historic. Dick Advocaat’s side are appearing at a World Cup finals for the first time and go into the encounter without pressure. “We have nothing to lose,” said Advocaat before the game. At the same time, the experienced coach made it clear that his team intend to make life difficult for Germany. His players will look to exploit the spaces the favourites leave when they push forward.
What sets Curaçao apart from other teams? For captain Leandro Bacuna, the answer is clear: their distinctive identity. “People see in our videos that we have fun and dance together. But as soon as the referee blows the whistle, only one thing matters to us: giving our best and getting a good result. I think that is exactly what sets us apart from other nations.”
That is precisely where the challenge lies for Germany. Nagelsmann’s side must control the game without becoming impatient. They must impose themselves without neglecting their defensive cover. And they must take the underdogs seriously without downplaying their own role.
The match is an early test of mood and momentum for Germany. A convincing win would not answer every open question, but it could lay the foundation for a successful World Cup in which Nagelsmann and his players are eager to be viewed as more stable, more mature and more determined than at the previous two tournaments.
Sources: FIFA Official
