The 2026 World Cup is only a few days old, and already we’ve seen a scoreline that demands a double take. Germany didn’t just beat Curacao in their Group E opener on Sunday — they dismantled them 7-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston, a result that instantly conjures comparisons to their iconic semi-final thrashing of Brazil in 2014. But for the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, this match was never really about winning. It was about showing up. About a single moment of defiance.
Felix Nmecha put Germany ahead in the sixth minute, and the script appeared to be writing itself. Except Livano Comenencia had other ideas 15 minutes later, equalizing for Curacao and briefly silencing a German side that had expected a straightforward afternoon. For 10 minutes, the underdogs had a pulse. Then Germany simply shifted gears, and the game became a clinic in ruthlessness.
By halftime, Nico Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz had pushed Germany to 3-1. After the break, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav, and Havertz again added to the tally, matching the same 7-1 margin Germany once used to stun a host nation. Julian Nagelsmann’s team hasn’t advanced past the group stage since winning the trophy in 2014; they looked hungry enough to suggest that streak could end in about two weeks.
But the more compelling storyline might be Curacao. Dick Advocaat’s side will move on to face Cote d’Ivoire next, and this match — however lopsided — gave them a taste of the stage. They scored a goal in their first ever World Cup game. That’s not nothing.
Netherlands Grind Out a Point After Letting a Lead Slip Twice
At AT&T Stadium in Arlington, the Netherlands and Japan delivered a tension-filled 2-2 draw that felt more like an escape for Ronald Koeman’s squad. Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring six minutes after halftime with a trademark header off a Ryan Gravenberch cross. But Japan answered quickly through Keito Nakamura, whose shot took a deflection off a Dutch defender and caught Bart Verbruggen off-balance.
Cryscencio Summerville restored the Dutch lead in style, curling a left-footed beauty past Japan’s Zion Suzuki in his major tournament debut. It looked like the Netherlands would take control. Then Junya Ito’s corner found Koki Ogawa at the far post, and his thumping header glanced off Daichi Kamada before nestling into the net. Japan had clawed back a second equalizer, and the Netherlands watched their second lead disappear.
The Dutch extended their remarkable World Cup group-stage unbeaten run to 17 matches — a testament to durability — but the mood afterward was more frustration than celebration. Koeman’s side will feel they dropped two points, not gained one, especially with a tougher group schedule ahead.
Spain vs. Cape Verde: A Debut Built on Hope — and a Relentless Spanish Lineup
Cape Verde steps onto the World Cup stage for the first time on Monday as an independent nation, drawing the reigning European champions Spain in Atlanta. The Blue Sharks have quietly built momentum — six wins in their last seven qualifiers and two positive warm-up results — but the reality of facing La Furia Roja is a different kind of test. Manager Bubista will likely prioritize damage control, though early optimism is justified: Spain may rest Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams to start, potentially offering Cape Verde a window to stay within striking distance.
History suggests the gap between the two sides is vast. But this tournament is already showing that first impressions can be misleading.
Belgium’s Last Dance Starts With a Salah-Sized Problem
In Seattle, Belgium begins its Group G campaign against Egypt, and the narrative is impossible to ignore: Kevin De Bruyne is 34, coming off an uneven season with Napoli, and this tournament likely represents his final chance to win silverware with the national team. He knows it, too.
In a recent interview with FOX Sports, De Bruyne placed the burden on Jeremy Doku, calling the 24-year-old winger essential to Belgium’s hopes. “Defending Jeremy for 90 minutes is impossible,” De Bruyne said. “He has also become more efficient over the past year. He has found more moments where he can choose his situations. To play a top tournament, we need a good Doku.”
Doku enjoyed a standout farewell season under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, but the World Cup stage carries its own pressure — especially after Belgium’s unceremonious group-stage exit in Qatar three years ago. Across the field, Mohamed Salah will be looking to end Egypt’s painful winless streak at World Cup finals, and he remains the type of player who can single-handedly rewrite a match. It’s a must-watch opener for Group G, and the stakes only rise from here.
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