Curaçao makes World Cup debut against Germany

Curaçao will be the smallest nation ever to play in a FIFA World Cup.

HOUSTON – The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues on Sunday with Curaçao making its tournament debut against Germany in Group E at Houston Stadium in Houston, Texas, USA.

The match will mark the first ever encounter between the two nations.

Curaçao will debut in the FIFA World Cup and is the smallest nation by both area and population to qualify for the tournament. The Blue Wave are the first Concacaf debutants since Panama in 2018, while they are hoping to become the first side from the confederation to advance from the Group Stage in their first appearance since Costa Rica in 1990.

Dick Advocaat’s side enjoyed a great qualifying cycle where they led the way with 28 goals scored behind strong efforts from Juninho Bacuna and Kenji Gorré. Gorré was one of four players three goals and three assists in the Concacaf Qualifiers, and the only Curaçao player to do so.

Four-time World Cup winners Germany arrive with some of the top names in world football like Joshua Kimmich, Kai Havertz, and Jamal Musiala. Additionally, Manuel Neuer, a member of the Brazil 2014 winners, will lend his experience as part of the goalkeeping corps.

Germany vs Curaçao – Facts

• This will be the first-ever official meeting between Germany and Curaçao. Germany have won 14 of their last 17 FIFA World Cup matches against teams from the Americas (D1 L2).
• Germany have won the FIFA World Cup four times, tied with Italy for the second-most titles in tournament history, behind only Brazil (5).
• Germany are making their 21st FIFA World Cup appearance, more than any other European nation and second only to Brazil (23) overall.
• Since making their World Cup debut in 1954, Germany have progressed beyond the opening round in 16 of their 18 appearances. The only exceptions came in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, when they were eliminated in the group stage. Notably, both campaigns began with 1-0 defeats in their opening match (against Mexico in 2018 and Japan in 2022). The last time Germany opened a World Cup with a victory was in Brazil 2014, when they defeated Portugal 4-0.
• Germany qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as winners of UEFA Group H. They won all eight qualifying matches and secured top spot with a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland.
• Curaçao have reached the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history and become the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the tournament.
• Curaçao are the first Concacaf nation to make their FIFA World Cup debut since Panama in 2018. They will also be aiming to become the first Concacaf debutant to advance beyond the group stage since Costa Rica reached the Round of 16 in 1990.
• Curaçao led all Concacaf teams in expected goals created (22.9) and expected goals against (16.0) during qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They also topped the region in goals scored (28), expected goals (22.9), and average possession (62.1%).
• Nick Woltemade was directly involved in nine goals (four goals, five assists) during the UEFA qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most of any German player. He also led Germany in shots (27) and chances created (26).
• Manuel Neuer could become only the second German goalkeeper to appear at five FIFA World Cups, after Lothar Matthäus. He would also become just the second goalkeeper in history to play in five World Cups, following Mexico’s Antonio Carbajal.
• Curaçao were the most effective attacking team from open play in Concacaf qualifying, scoring 23 of their 29 goals from open-play situations.
• Kenji Gorré was one of only four Concacaf players to record at least three goals and three assists during qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
• Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat (78 years old) will become the oldest coach ever to manage a match at a FIFA World Cup.
• The age difference of 39 years and 269 days between Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat and Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann represents the largest age gap between two head coaches facing each other in FIFA World Cup history.