By Francis Onyach - Sports journalist and pundit based in Kenya.
United States, 15 June 2026 - Germany could hardly have asked for a better start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
The four-time world champions swept aside tournament debutants Curaçao 7-1 in Houston, delivering one of the most dominant performances seen in the opening round of matches and immediately establishing themselves as serious contenders for the trophy.
While the scoreline was expected to grab headlines, the manner of Germany's victory may be what truly concerns their rivals.
For much of the past decade, Germany have struggled to live up to the standards set by their 2014 World Cup-winning side.
Back-to-back group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022 raised serious questions about the direction of German football. Although there were signs of recovery at Euro 2024, many observers entered the 2026 World Cup wondering whether Germany could genuinely challenge for the title.
Their answer arrived emphatically.
From the opening whistle, Julian Nagelsmann's men looked sharper, faster, and far more clinical than their opponents. Germany dominated possession, pressed aggressively, and moved the ball with the kind of confidence that has historically defined their greatest teams.
By halftime, the contest was effectively over.
The Germans attacked relentlessly, creating chances from every area of the pitch and exposing the vast gap in experience between themselves and a Curaçao side making its first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
The scoreline alone tells only part of the story.
What stood out was the variety of Germany's attacking play.
Goals came from different players, different situations, and different areas of the field. Their midfield controlled proceedings, their wingers stretched the pitch, and their forwards consistently found dangerous positions.
For a team hoping to go deep into the tournament, that diversity is a major positive.
Many World Cup contenders rely heavily on one star player. Germany's opener suggested they possess threats throughout the squad.
That should worry every team they are likely to face in the knockout rounds.
A Historic Night for Curaçao
Despite the heavy defeat, this was still a historic occasion for Curaçao.
Simply reaching the World Cup represented one of the greatest achievements in the nation's football history. The Caribbean side entered the tournament as clear underdogs and faced one of the toughest possible opening assignments.
While the result was painful, Curaçao can take pride in scoring their first-ever World Cup goal.
That moment will remain part of the country's football history regardless of the final score.
Their challenge now is ensuring that this defeat does not define their tournament.
Many nations have suffered heavy losses in World Cup openers before recovering to produce memorable performances later in the competition.
Why Germany's Rivals Should Pay Attention
Every World Cup produces an early statement victory.
Sometimes those performances prove misleading.
A team overwhelms weaker opposition only to struggle once the competition becomes tougher.
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Germany will face far sterner tests than Curaçao.
However, there was something different about this performance.
The team looked balanced.
The defense remained largely comfortable.
The midfield controlled the rhythm of the game.
The attack was efficient rather than wasteful.
Most importantly, Germany played with confidence.
That confidence has often been missing from recent German sides.
If Nagelsmann can maintain this level of intensity and organization, Germany could emerge as one of the most complete teams at the tournament.
It is tempting to get carried away after a 7-1 victory. One could argue that Curaçao are not a competitive opponent(which is true)
World Cups are not won in the group stage.
Germany's real tests will come against stronger opponents capable of matching them physically and tactically.
Yet first impressions matter.
And Germany's first impression was outstanding.
Unlike some of the tournament favorites who have stumbled or failed to convince in their opening matches, Germany left no room for doubt.
They looked prepared and motivated.
And perhaps most importantly, they looked like a team enjoying their football again.
Germany's demolition of Curaçao may not guarantee World Cup success, but it has certainly changed the conversation.
Before the tournament began, many viewed Germany as one of several contenders.
After Matchday One, they look like one of the teams to beat.
The biggest lesson from Houston was not that Germany scored seven goals but how effortlessly they did it.
The road ahead will become much tougher, but if this opening performance is any indication, Germany may finally be ready to reclaim their place among football's dominant forces.
For the rest of the World Cup, that should be an uncomfortable thought.
The writer is an accomplished sports journalist based in Kenya. He comments on topical issues.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Dawan Africa.