2026 World Cup: Germany vs. Curaçao, probable lineups

Germany vs. Curaçao is a match in the first round of Group E at the 2026 World Cup. In Houston at 7 p.m. (Italian time), Julian Nagelsmann’s team—one of the tournament favorites—will make its debut against Curaçao, a first-time participant in the World Cup that many fans are eagerly awaiting. The Caribbean island, with a population of 150,000, is the underdog of the group, and Germany will aim to score as many goals as possible to secure qualification.

The four-time world champions take the field with Havertz as the attacking focal point, Sané, Musiala, and Wirtz in the attacking midfield, and Nmecha and Pavlovic in the midfield. Musiala, the most talked-about player ahead of the match, is expected to start from the 1st minute. The fullbacks will be Kimmich and Brown, the center backs Tah and Schlotterbeck, in front of Neuer. The Germans have won their last nine matches.

Advocaat’s Azules have already secured qualification but do not intend to play the role of sparring partners and will try to give the German powerhouse a run for its money. Locadia is expected to start as the center forward, with the Bacuna brothers, Comenencia, and Chong behind him.

Germany vs. Curaçao, probable lineups
GERMANY (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sané, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz. Coach: Nagelsmann.
CURACAO (5-4-1): Room; Floranus, Gaari, Obispo, Bazoer, Fonville; Chong, Comenencia, L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna; Locadia. Coach: Advocaat.