Can Curaçao Cause an Upset Against Germany?

Germany is set to begin its 2026 World Cup campaign on Sunday against Curaçao. Making their World Cup debut, Curaçao, under the guidance of coach Dick Advocaat, went unbeaten in the qualifiers. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, 40, who has been struggling with a calf injury, is likely to start in goal for Germany’s opening match.

Kathmandu, 31 May – As Germany prepares to face Curaçao in their first World Cup match, their primary goal is to avoid one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history. Germany is rarely listed among the favorites for the 2026 World Cup, having been eliminated in the group stage in the last two editions. Consequently, the team might feel some psychological pressure against Curaçao. However, Germany arrives in the United States in strong form, having won their last nine consecutive matches. In this year’s four friendly games, Germany secured victories over Switzerland, Ghana, Finland, and co-host nation the United States.

Following the match against Curaçao, Germany will face Ivory Coast and Ecuador. If Germany exits at the group stage again, it would come as a major surprise to football fans, especially since this tournament allows the best third-placed teams to advance to the knockout rounds. Germany cannot afford anything less than victory; even a draw would invite intense criticism.

Curaçao, competing in Group E and playing in their first World Cup, aims to achieve historic results. With no pressure weighing on them, the Curaçao team will enter the match with an open and confident mindset. In November, Curaçao secured their first-ever World Cup qualification by finishing top in the first and second rounds of the CONCACAF qualifiers. Under Dick Advocaat’s leadership, they remained unbeaten throughout qualification, showing they are not a team Germany should fear.

In pre-World Cup warm-up matches, Curaçao lost 4-1 to Scotland but rebounded with a 4-0 victory against Aruba in their final friendly. Ranked 82nd in the FIFA standings, earning points against Germany would be akin to a win for Curaçao.

All German players are fit, although veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has recently suffered a calf injury. Nonetheless, the 40-year-old is expected to remain the first-choice goalkeeper. Without considering Germany a title favorite, star players like Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz have strengthened the squad’s depth. Arsenal forward Kai Havertz, who scored in the Champions League final, will lead Germany’s attack. The 27-year-old has already netted around 22 goals for the national team.

Curaçao faces no injury concerns either. Former Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna captains the team. His 34-year-old brother, Juninho Bacuna, will provide midfield support.