Comenencia scores in Curaçao’s World Cup debut against Germany

Livano Comenencia wrote his name into the history books.

HOUSTON – The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued with Curaçao making its tournament debut in a 7-1 defeat to Germany in Group E on Sunday at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas, USA.

An announced attendance of 68,021 spectators, including thousands who traveled from the Caribbean, were on hand to witness a historic first World Cup match for Curaçao and the city of Houston – which hosted the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final.

Livano Comenencia wrote his name in the history books in the 21’ by scoring Curaçao’s first World Cup goal, equalizing the match after Felix Nmecha struck in the 6’ for Germany.

Germany regained the lead off a corner kick in the 38’ through a Nico Schlotterbeck header. The four-time World Champions added to their advantage in the 45’+5’ when Kai Havertz converted a penalty kick.

Jamal Musiala fired in a low shot from a tough angle in the 46’ to continue the scoring for Germany in the second half. Die Mannschaft added to their lead through Nathaniel Brown in the 68’, Deniz Undav in the 78’, and Havertz in the 88’.

Curaçao will play its second group stage fixture when it faces Ecuador on June 20, 8 PM ET (7 PM local), at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.

Germany vs Curaçao – Post-Match Facts

• Curaçao became the first nation to score within the opening 21 minutes of its FIFA World Cup debut match since Nigeria found the net in the 21st minute against Bulgaria in its first World Cup appearance in 1994.
• Livano Comenencia scored with his first-ever shot at a FIFA World Cup. The goal came despite the forward failing to score in 1,522 minutes for FC Zürich during the Swiss Super League season, in which he registered just one shot on target.
• At 22 years and 131 days old, Livano Comenencia became the second-youngest goalscorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, behind only Australia’s Nestory Irakunda (20 years, 125 days). He is also the youngest Concacaf player to score at a World Cup since Canada’s Alphonso Davies in 2022 (22 years, 25 days).
• Juninho Bacuna recorded five interceptions against Germany, the highest total by any player in a single match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far.
• Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat became the oldest manager in FIFA World Cup history, taking charge at 78 years and 260 days old.
• Advocaat also set a new World Cup record for the longest span between a coach’s first and most recent match in the tournament, with 32 years separating his appearances in 1994 and 2026.
• Juninho Bacuna attempted eight dribbles against Germany, the second-highest total recorded by any player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, trailing only Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior, who attempted nine against Morocco.
• Comenencia’s goal was Curaçao’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal and marked the nation’s first shot on target in tournament history.
• Bacuna led all players in defensive actions won against Germany, highlighting Curaçao’s resilience in its historic World Cup debut.