Germany Dominates Curacao 7-1; Japan, Netherlands Draw; Ivory Coast Wins
Published June 15, 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off with a goal-fest and dramatic finishes as Germany secured a dominant victory, Japan staged a resilient comeback for a draw, and Ivory Coast clinched a late win in their opening fixtures across North America.
Published — local time around the world
The opening weekend of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered thrilling action, highlighted by a commanding performance from Germany, a resilient draw between Japan and the Netherlands, and a narrow victory for Ivory Coast. Matches were spread across the host nations, with games taking place in Houston, Texas, and Philadelphia, showcasing the global spectacle that is the expanded 48-team tournament.
Germany made a significant statement in their Group E opener in Houston, overwhelming World Cup debutants Curaçao with a resounding 7-1 victory. Goals came from multiple German players, including a brace from Kai Havertz, alongside strikes from Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav. Despite the heavy defeat, Curaçao celebrated a historic moment as Livano Comenencia scored their nation's first-ever World Cup goal, providing a memorable highlight for their fans.
Meanwhile, in Texas, Group F saw an entertaining 2-2 draw between Japan and the Netherlands. Japan displayed immense character, twice fighting back from a deficit to earn a valuable point against their European opponents. The day's action concluded in Philadelphia, where Ivory Coast secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Ecuador. The decisive goal came late in the match, courtesy of Amad Diallo, ensuring a winning start for the African side in their 2026 World Cup campaign.