World Cup 2026: Germany Routs Curaçao 7-1, Japan Salvages Late Draw vs Netherlands

Day 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered drama on both ends of the scoreboard, as Germany crushed historic debutants Curaçao and Japan came from behind to earn a point against the Netherlands in two Group stage matches played on June 14 in Texas.

Germany 7-1 Curaçao: History Made in Houston

Germany put on a dominant display in Houston, defeating Curaçao 7-1 in their Group E opener. It was a historic occasion for both sides: Curaçao made their first-ever World Cup appearance, becoming the smallest country by both population and land area ever to compete in the tournament, while Germany's 40-year-old goalkeeper Manuel Neuer became the oldest player ever to represent Germany at a major tournament, breaking the record previously held by Lothar Matthäus.

The tournament's fastest goal — scored in just the 6th minute by Felix Nmecha — set the tone for a one-sided contest. Curaçao's sole moment of glory came in the 21st minute, when Livano Comenencia's shot from 15 meters found the net, earning the loudest cheer from the 68,000-strong crowd in a sporting acknowledgement of the underdogs' achievement.

A Nico Schlotterbeck header restored the lead before half-time, Kai Havertz converted a penalty, and Jamal Musiala added two more goals in the second half, alongside strikes from Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav. Germany's coach Julian Nagelsmann said he was "very satisfied" with the performance, adding praise for Curaçao's courage on the big stage. Curaçao manager Dick Advocaat, the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78, acknowledged the defeat but said his side "can still be proud."

Netherlands 2-2 Japan: Drama in Added Time

In the Group F match that followed, Japan snatched a thrilling 2-2 draw against the Netherlands with a goal deep in stoppage time. Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk headed the Netherlands in front, only for Keito Nakamura to level immediately. Crysencio Summerville then curled a beautiful finish into the bottom corner to seemingly put the Dutch ahead for good — but Crystal Palace midfielder Daichi Kamada deflected the ball home in the 88th minute to deny the Netherlands what looked like a certain win.

The match was played before 69,285 fans in Texas. The result leaves both sides level in Group F heading into their second matches.

World Cup Context

The tournament is hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in its expanded 48-team format. Sports fans have been flocking to matches across North America, with the June 15 slate bringing Spain vs Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay, and Iran vs New Zealand. Australia scored a historic victory over Turkey in an earlier match, further energizing fan bases across the Asia-Pacific.