• Germany secure emphatic 7-1 victory over World Cup debutants Curacao in Houston
• Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala both net twice for Julian Nagelsmann’s side
• Curacao become the smallest nation by population to compete at a World Cup finals
• Felix Nmecha registers the tournament’s fastest goal so far after just six minutes
• Manuel Neuer makes his fifth World Cup appearance at the age of 40

Four-time world champions Germany overcame an early scare to thrash Curacao in their Group E opener in Houston. The Caribbean side, making their maiden appearance at the finals, briefly threatened an upset before Die Mannschaft produced a devastating attacking display.

Felix Nmecha gave Germany the perfect start after just six minutes. The former England youth international bent a powerful shot into the net to register the earliest goal of the tournament so far.

However, the underdogs stunned the four-time winners midway through the first half. Livano Comenencia, who plays his club football in Switzerland, saw his left-footed strike take a deflection and wrong-foot Manuel Neuer. The 40-year-old keeper was appearing in his fifth World Cup.

Curacao, an island nation of just 155,000 people covering 171 square miles, came close to taking the lead when Jurgen Locadia appealed for a penalty. The referee waved away the claims, and a subsequent hydration break allowed the Germans to regroup.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side restored their advantage before the break when Nico Schlotterbeck headed home from Nathaniel Brown’s corner. Kai Havertz then converted calmly from the penalty spot during first-half stoppage time after Riechedly Bazoer fouled Nmecha.

Germany seized complete command immediately after the restart. Jamal Musiala found the net with an angled finish just 69 seconds into the second period, having been set up by Joshua Kimmich.

Left-back Brown volleyed home a fourth, before substitute Deniz Undav added a fifth and sixth. The Stuttgart forward turned provider late on, chipping the ball for Havertz to lift delicately over goalkeeper Eloy Room and complete the rout two minutes from time.

• Germany thrash World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1 in Group E opener
• Curacao make history with first-ever World Cup goal via Livano Comenencia
• Kai Havertz scores twice as Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz shine in attack
• Defensive concerns remain for manager Julian Nagelsmann despite big win
• Match attracts 68,021 spectators at NRG Stadium in Houston

Germany began their FIFA World Cup journey with a strong 7-1 victory over Curacao. The Group E match took place at NRG Stadium in front of 68,021 fans.

Felix Nmecha opened the scoring after just six minutes. He curled a fine shot into the net to give Germany an early advantage.

However, Curacao shocked the German team in the 21st minute. Livano Comenencia scored an equaliser for the Caribbean side. This was Curacao’s first ever goal at a World Cup finals. The tiny island nation has a population of only 160,000 people. They are the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup and score a goal.

Germany responded well before half-time. Nico Schlotterbeck scored with a header to put his team back in the lead. Then Kai Havertz converted a penalty in added time at the end of the first half.

The German team scored again just one minute after the break. Jamal Musiala ran onto a pass from Joshua Kimmich and finished calmly. The Bayern Munich midfielder provided another assist later in the match.

In the 68th minute, Florian Wirtz set up a chance for Denis Undav. The striker flicked the ball to Nathaniel Brown. The defender volleyed home from close range to make it 5-1.

Denis Undav came off the bench to score Germany’s sixth goal in the 78th minute. Kai Havertz added his second goal of the game in the 87th minute. He ran past the defence and chipped the ball over the goalkeeper.

Despite the big win, Germany showed some weaknesses at the back. Curacao created several chances against them. Better teams might exploit these defensive problems in later matches.

Still, Germany’s attack looked very dangerous. Wirtz controlled the midfield well. Musiala and Leroy Sane used their pace to trouble the Curacao defence. Manager Julian Nagelsmann will be pleased with the three points.

For Curacao, the result was disappointing but the day was historic. Comenencia’s goal ensures they will always remember their first World Cup appearance.

• Kai Havertz nets twice as Germany thrash Curaçao 7-1 in Group E opener
• Jamal Musiala, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav and Felix Nmecha also find the net
• 40-year-old Manuel Neuer returns between the sticks after reversing international retirement
• Curaçao mark debut with historic goal from Livano Comenencia but suffer heavy defeat

Kai Havertz grabbed a double as Germany began their World Cup redemption campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao in Houston.

The four-time champions fell behind briefly after Felix Nmecha had opened the scoring early on. Livano Comenencia sent the Caribbean fans wild by smashing home an equaliser midway through the first half. However, Germany regained control before the break.

Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a powerful header from Nathaniel Brown’s corner in the 38th minute. Havertz then converted from the penalty spot during first-half stoppage time after Nmecha had been fouled inside the box by Riechedly Bazoer.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side needed just two minutes of the second period to extend their advantage. Jamal Musiala found the net with a precise right-footed finish across the goalkeeper.

The scoring continued as Brown grabbed his goal in the 68th minute before Deniz Undav made it six ten minutes later. Havertz completed his brace two minutes from time to round off the rout.

The heavy defeat marked a difficult start for Curaçao, who became the smallest nation ever to qualify for the finals. Their 78-year-old manager Dick Advocaat also made history as the oldest coach at a World Cup, facing the youngest in 38-year-old Nagelsmann.

Manuel Neuer, who reversed his international retirement at age 40, made one save on his first Germany appearance in nearly two years. The contest drew 68,021 spectators to NRG Stadium.

Germany will face Ivory Coast in Toronto next Saturday, while Curaçao travel to Kansas City to meet Ecuador on the same day.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in exactly one week.
• Manuel Neuer comes out of retirement to start in goal for Germany.
• Kai Havertz leads the attack after recovering from injury.
• Youngster Lennart Karl offers a cheap option at just €4.8 million.
• Jamal Musiala may face rotation due to recent ankle problems.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 starts this time next week. Football fans worldwide are busy picking their fantasy squads for the tournament. Germany has many strong options for your team.

Manuel Neuer will be the first-choice keeper. The 40-year-old returned from international retirement. He kept a clean sheet every three games last season and saved 62% of shots. He costs €5 million.

Joshua Kimmich is the captain and plays at right-back. He costs €5.5 million and takes important set-pieces. He should play every match.

Jonathan Tah will likely play at centre-back for €5.3 million. David Raum is another good choice at left-back. He costs €4.9 million and got three goals and seven assists for RB Leipzig last season.

However, Nathaniel Brown could start instead. The Eintracht Frankfurt player costs only €4.7 million. He played in the friendly against Finland and might face Curacao in the first game.

Florian Wirtz is key in attack despite problems at Liverpool. He scored three goals and made two assists in his last three games for Germany. He is priced at €7.5 million.

Jamal Musiala is very talented but costs €8 million. He had ankle injuries this season. Germany may manage his time during Group E matches.

Lennart Karl is a great budget pick at €4.8 million. The 18-year-old scored against Finland on Sunday. Manager Julian Nagelsmann likes him.

Kai Havertz will be the main striker. The Arsenal player is fit again after scoring in the Champions League final. He costs €7.8 million and will take penalties.

Deniz Undav is a good backup option at €6.6 million. He scored twice against Finland. He also got 25 goals for Stuttgart this season.

You can join the ‘Bulinews World Cup League’ using this code: N2QSVJ8M.

• Leroy Sané has accepted a substitute role with excellent attitude ahead of the 2026 World Cup
• The winger now bridges the gap between Germany’s younger and older players
• Julian Nagelsmann has publicly praised Sané’s transformed behaviour in camp
• He organizes team bonding activities including UNO games with teammates
• His relationship with positional rival Lennart Karl remains strong

Germany winger Leroy Sané has embraced his position on the bench with outstanding grace as the 2026 World Cup approaches. According to Sport BILD, the 30-year-old displays constant cheerfulness around the national team base. He regularly shares jokes with colleagues and spreads optimism throughout the squad.

During training sessions, Sané shows tremendous determination and effort. He works tirelessly on the practice pitch before spending time with supporters afterwards. The player willingly signs autographs and poses for photographs with fans who gather to watch the sessions.

Fellow squad members have noticed a remarkable change in the attacker’s personality. In previous years, he often kept to himself and appeared distant or moody. Now, he serves as a vital link between Germany’s senior figures and junior members. His age places him perfectly between the two groups, allowing him to communicate effectively with everyone.

Sané maintains close friendships with several former Bayern Munich colleagues. He shares a particularly strong bond with Jamal Musiala and Aleks Pavlović. The trio often spends free time together playing UNO cards with other players. These activities help create a relaxed and unified atmosphere within the group.

Despite competing for the same position on the field, Sané enjoys a warm relationship with Lennart Karl. Their friendship began during their days at Bayern Munich. It continued even after Sané transferred to Galatasaray earlier this year.

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has publicly commended this refreshed version of the player. Earlier competitions often sparked controversy when Sané moved between the first team and the substitute list. However, the current positive environment suggests a different approach this time around.

• Jamal Musiala returns to Germany duty after injury absence since March 2025
• Scores and plays full 90 minutes in 4-0 friendly win over Finland
• Strike ends personal goal drought and marks ninth international goal
• Bayern Munich star pleased with match fitness after lengthy lay-off

Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala has spoken about his happiness after returning to the Germany team. The young attacker scored and played the whole match in Sunday’s 4-0 friendly win against Finland.

Musiala had been out injured since March 2025. This was his first game for his country since that date. He played under manager Julian Nagelsmann.

After the match, Musiala talked about the team’s work. “We made some good chances. We have not trained together much, but we did what we wanted on the pitch. I hope the fans liked it,” he said.

He also spoke about his own game. “It feels good. I had not scored for a long time. I will take this good feeling into the next games,” he explained.

Playing the full match was important for him. “The 90 minutes helped me a lot. I have not played a full match for a long time,” he added.

This goal was his ninth for Germany in 41 games.

• Manuel Neuer will not feature against Finland on Sunday
• Oliver Baumann will start in goal for the friendly clash
• Jamal Musiala is recovering well but faces no pressure to return early
• Lennart Karl could earn a starting spot depending on his training performances
• Several tactical options exist to cover Joshua Kimmich at right-back

Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that Manuel Neuer will miss Germany’s friendly match against Finland this weekend. The national team coach explained that both he and Neuer agreed on this decision ahead of the Sunday fixture.

Oliver Baumann will take his place in goal for the clash. Nagelsmann stated that an update on Neuer’s fitness will arrive before the upcoming match against the United States.

The coach also provided news on Jamal Musiala. He said the midfielder is making good progress with his recovery. Even at seventy percent fitness, Musiala remains better than many other players. The staff will not rush him back to full strength.

Regarding Lennart Karl, Nagelsmann explained that the young player might start the game. This depends on how he performs in training over the next two weeks. The coach praised Karl for making a strong early impression since joining the squad.

Nagelsmann also discussed his plans for the right-back position. Joshua Kimmich usually plays there, but several other players can cover if needed. The coach admitted they do not have one classic replacement. This was a deliberate choice. Some options offer more attack, while others provide more defence.

The Germany boss highlighted the partnership between Musiala and Florian Wirtz. He believes these two players working together makes the team stronger. Musiala does not need to create everything on his own.

• Manuel Neuer, aged 40, will wear the No. 1 shirt after ending his international retirement
• Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala has been given the No. 10 jersey
• Winger Jamie Leweling surprisingly takes the No. 9 shirt, usually reserved for centre-forwards
• Attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz will wear No. 17 for the tournament
• The announcement comes three weeks before Germany’s World Cup warm-up match against Curaçao

The German Football Association has officially revealed the squad numbers for the upcoming World Cup. Supporters now know which players will wear the famous jerseys when the four-time champions begin their campaign in less than three weeks.

Veteran shot-stopper Manuel Neuer will guard the net wearing the number one shirt. The 40-year-old Bayern Munich captain has come out of international retirement to lead the side between the posts.

In a surprising move, coach Julian Nagelsmann has handed the number nine shirt to Jamie Leweling. The VfB Stuttgart winger usually plays on the flank, but he will wear the number traditionally reserved for the main striker.

Midfield star Jamal Musiala has claimed the prestigious number ten jersey. The Bayern Munich playmaker will hope to inspire the attack alongside Florian Wirtz, who will wear number seventeen.

The DFB also confirmed that fans can now purchase official replica shirts. Supporters may customise their kits with player names and squad numbers through the official store.

• Bayern Munich icon Uli Hoeneß has named his ideal Germany starting eleven for the 2026 World Cup
• The former club president prefers Nick Woltemade as striker instead of Kai Havertz
• Joshua Kimmich would play in midfield rather than at right-back in Hoeneß’s system
• Jamie Leweling gets the nod over Leroy Sané and Lennart Karl in the attacking trio

Bayern Munich legend Uli Hoeneß has shared his personal choice for Germany’s best starting line-up. The former club president selected his preferred eleven players from Julian Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad.

Between the posts, Hoeneß keeps faith with veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The back four would feature David Raum at right-back, Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck in the centre, and Nathaniel Brown on the left flank.

“Raum is not perfect at right-back, but Joshua Kimmich must play in midfield,” Hoeneß explained. “That is his strongest position. He plays exceptionally well there, next to Aleksandar Pavlović. I also think highly of Nathaniel Brown.”

The midfield pairing would therefore consist of Kimmich and Pavlović. Hoeneß believes this combination offers the best protection for the defence.

Further forward, the 73-year-old selects Jamie Leweling, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. “We all know how good Musiala and Wirtz are. They must start,” he said. “I like Leroy Sané, but he lacks confidence at the moment. Lennart Karl is not ready to start yet. That is why I choose Leweling.”

For the lone striker role, Hoeneß made a surprising choice. While most expect Kai Havertz to lead the line for Nagelsmann, the Bayern patriarch prefers Nick Woltemade. “I am a fan of Havertz, but Woltemade is more of a true striker. He suits this formation better,” Hoeneß stated.

Hoeneß’s preferred line-up: Neuer; Raum, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Kimmich, Pavlović; Leweling, Wirtz, Musiala; Woltemade.

• Germany face pressure to improve after failing to advance from the group stage in the last two World Cup tournaments
• Captain Manuel Neuer returns from international retirement to start between the posts
• Coach Julian Nagelsmann plans to use Joshua Kimmich at right-back rather than in central midfield
• Leon Goretzka could play as an attacking midfielder despite limited minutes at Bayern Munich this season
• Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are guaranteed starters in the final third

Germany enter the 2026 World Cup in North America with heavy expectations. The national team crashed out during the group phase at the previous two tournaments. Now, head coach Julian Nagelsmann hopes to guide his squad much deeper into the competition.

The tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico in roughly three weeks. Germany’s first opponents will be Curaçao. Nagelsmann has already decided on the majority of his starting eleven.

Manuel Neuer will wear the captain’s armband. The legendary goalkeeper reversed his decision to retire from international duty specifically for this World Cup. He will guard the net unless injury strikes.

The defence will likely feature four players. Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck and David Raum appear to be the preferred options. Antonio Rüdiger provides experienced cover in the centre of defence. Nathaniel Brown waits on the bench as an alternative left-back.

Kimmich usually controls the midfield for Bayern Munich. However, Nagelsmann lacks strong choices at right-back. For this reason, the coach will deploy Kimmich in the defensive flank.

In the middle of the park, Aleksandar Pavlović holds a starting spot. He impressed during the qualifying matches before missing recent friendlies through injury. The main uncertainty surrounds his partner in the double pivot.

Leon Goretzka spent most of this season on the substitutes’ bench at Bayern Munich. Despite this, Nagelsmann trusts him to start. The coach has praised the midfielder publicly on several occasions.

Serge Gnabry will miss the tournament due to injury. This absence might push Goretzka into an advanced role behind the strikers. Nagelsmann has used him there before. He values Goretzka’s strength in the air and physical power in attacking positions.

If Goretzka moves forward, Felix Nmecha will start alongside Pavlović. The Borussia Dortmund player recently received high praise from Nagelsmann. The coach described him as “world-class”.

Three attackers are certain to start. Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala form the core of the offensive strategy. Nagelsmann confirmed this when he named his final squad.

The team shape depends on Goretzka’s position. If he plays as a number ten, Havertz leads the attack. Nick Woltemade offers another option as a central striker. In this case, both Havertz and Goretzka could drop deeper. Alternatively, Jamie Leweling might play on the wing. This would allow Goretzka to return to a deeper midfield role. In both these situations, Nmecha would sit on the bench.

Currently, the most probable lineup sees Nmecha and Pavlović protecting the defence. Goretzka would operate just ahead of them. Musiala and Wirtz would provide width. Havertz would spearhead the attack.

Other possible combinations include Woltemade as the focal point with Goretzka deeper. Another variation features Leweling on the flank. However, the setup with Nmecha and Pavlović at the base remains the favourite for the opening match.