Germany will begin their World Cup campaign against the smallest population ever to qualify, Curacao, in an intriguing Group E completed by Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, and 2023 Afcon champions Ivory Coast.
Germany arrive with optimism under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, and the country expects much more than their past two group-stage exits. But they face stiff competition from Ecuador’s golden generation, built around Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, as well as a talented Ivory Coast side who could spring a surprise.
Curacao are the minnows of the group but **** Advocaat has built a solid defensive unit and a team cohesion that has seen them rival bigger nations, and the expanded format of this 2026 World Cup gives every side hope of qualifying for the knockout stages, with eight third-placed sides progressing from the 12 groups.
(all times BST)
14 June, 6pm: Germany 7-1 Curacao – NRG Stadium, Houston
Germany arrive with optimism under the guidance of Julian Nagelsmann, and the country expects much more than their past two group-stage exits. But they face stiff competition from Ecuador’s golden generation, built around Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo, as well as a talented Ivory Coast side who could spring a surprise.
Curacao are the minnows of the group but **** Advocaat has built a solid defensive unit and a team cohesion that has seen them rival bigger nations, and the expanded format of this 2026 World Cup gives every side hope of qualifying for the knockout stages, with eight third-placed sides progressing from the 12 groups.
(all times BST)
14 June, 6pm: Germany 7-1 Curacao – NRG Stadium, Houston
4 months ago
