Oliver Baumann of Germany in action during a training session.
Doha, Qatar: Germany will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against debutants Curacao tonight, with the four-time champions aiming to make an immediate impact in Group E and take an important step towards the knockout stages.
The match, scheduled to kick off at 8pm at Houston Stadium, marks the opening fixture in Group E, which also features Cote d’Ivoire and Ecuador. With every point likely to prove crucial in the race for the knockout stages, both teams will be determined to make a winning start.
Germany arrive at the World Cup after finishing top of Group A in the UEFA qualification stage. Under head coach Julian Nagelsmann, the Germans recovered from an early setback and produced a dominant run to secure their place at the tournament.
The World Cup presents another opportunity for Germany to add to one of the most successful records in international football. The Germans have lifted the trophy four times, winning titles in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. Expectations remain high whenever Germany compete on football’s biggest stage, despite disappointing group-stage exits at the last two World Cups.
Curacao’s players take part in a training session on the eve of their opener. PICS: AFP
Nagelsmann believes his side is ready for the challenge ahead.
“We are ready,” the Germany coach said ahead of the tournament. “My job is to create the moments that lead to that joy.”
While Germany enter the match as clear favourites, Curacao arrive carrying the momentum of one of the most remarkable qualification campaigns in their history. The Caribbean nation topped CONCACAF Group B to secure first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup finals.
With a population of approximately 150,000, Curacao becomes the smallest nation by both population and area to qualify for a World Cup, making their participation one of the tournament’s most compelling stories.
Head coach Dick Advocaat has described the achievement as one of the highlights of his distinguished managerial career.
“I consider qualifying the smallest country in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career,” Advocaat said. “I’m proud of my players, staff and the board members who believed in us.”
The experienced Dutch coach is embracing the challenge of facing Germany in the opening match.
“That it’s Germany right at the beginning is fantastic,” Advocaat said. “That way we immediately know where we stand. You have to play them anyway so you might as well play them right at the beginning.”
Much of Germany’s hopes will rest on an exciting generation of players led by Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, two of Europe’s most highly rated young talents.
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Joshua Kimmich are expected to provide leadership and experience as Germany target a strong start.
Defender Nico Schlotterbeck has warned against underestimating Curacao despite Germany’s status as favourites.
“We had a team discussion yesterday on Curacao and it is a good team with players who have been trained in the Netherlands,” Schlotterbeck said. “But we are the favourites and I am confident we will win the match.”
