Match Preview
Germany are not considered one of the favourites for the 2026 World Cup which is slighlty surprising for a nation that has four World Cups to it’s name in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014.
Being an underdog might just help Julian Nagelsmann and his squad, it will allow them to go under the radar and concentrate on entering the latter stages before they are being spoken about.
There is no doubting that Die Mannschaft have dissappointed at the last two World Cups having been eliminated at the Group Stages on both occasions.
The Germans will head to North America in fantastic form having won the last 9 matches in all Competitions, including victories so far in 2026 over Switzerland, Ghana, Finland and World Cup co-hosts USA.
This opening fixture looks perfect to get the campaign of toa comfortable start and anything other than a comprehensive German win would be dissappointing for fans back home.
In complete contrast, Curacao have absolutelyno pressure on them this summer, nobody expected them to qualify for the World Cup.
The rise to 48 teams has given teams such as Curacao the chancd to qualify and they took full advantage in CONCACAF qualifying topping their group ahead of more fancied nations such as Jamaica & Trinidad & Tobago.
Former Dutch Manager Dick Advocaat is the man who has guided them through qualifying and although he resigned shortly after he has been convinced to return and lead the side through the tournament.
Curacao will be creating history at this World Cup becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the Finals.
They suffered a 4-1 defeat to Scotland at Hampden Park 2 weeks ago but did pick up a 4-0 win over Aruba in there final warm up match.
“The Blue Wave” are currently ranked 82nd in the FIFA World Rankings and it looks a tough ask for them to pick up any points in this world cup but the fact they have Qualified provides us with another wonderful World Cup Story.
Team News Germany
Julian Nagelsmann has no major injury concerns heading into this opening match, his biggest issue looks like trying to keep harmony among his squad.
It had been reported that Oliver Baumann had been told back in March that he would be number 1 at this Tournament even if Manuel Neuer made a U-Turn on his retirement (He subsequently did) but reports suggest that Nagelsmann has said Neuer will start between the sticks.
Serge Gnabry was ruled out before the tournament began with a knee injury but they still have an abundance of attaking options in the squad and the front three of Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz are among the bestin the tournament.
Havertz has returned from injury in fine form for Arsenal and scored some crucial goals towards the end of the season in their quest for Premier League & Champions League success.
Team News Curacao
There has been no injury issues reported for Curacao so Dick Advocaat will be able to call on most of his squad who gained qualification.
Despite being the smallest nation ever to play at the world cup they do have some familiar names, former Aston Villa player Leandro Bacuna will captain the side playing alongside former Huddersfield midfielder Juninho Bacuna.
Former Manchester United academy graduate Tahith Chong made a blistering start to his Curacao career scoring three times in six appearances and he looks the main threat to the German defence.
Form
| Team | Latest Result | Form (Last 6) |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2-1 vs USA | W W W W W W |
| Curacao | 4-0 vs Aruba | W D L L L W |
Possible Line Ups
Germany (4-2-3-1)
Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; F Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz
Curacao (4-5-1)
Room; Sambo, Obispo, Gaari, Floranus; Comenencia, J Bacuna, L Bacuna; Chong, Gorre, Antonisse
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Germany Win | 1/20 (1.05) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 22/1 (23.00) | Dream Vegas |
| Curacao Win | 40/1 (41.00) | 247Bet |
We Predict.....
Germany 5-0 Curacao
This looks like the biggest mis-match of the opening round and anything other than a big German win would be a surprise. This looks like attack vs defence