Germany 7-1 Curaçao: Havertz Double Headlines Rout
Germany inflicted a chastening defeat on FIFA World Cup debutants Curaçao at Houston Stadium, winning 7-1. Kai Havertz scored twice as four-time world champions ran riot to hand the tournament newcomers a harsh lesson.
Germany goals: Nmecha (6), Schlotterbeck (38), Havertz (45+5 pen), Musiala (47), Brown (68), Undav (78), Havertz (88)
Curaçao goal: Comenencia (21)
The four-time world champions made an ominous start, taking the lead after Felix Nmecha combined with Florian Wirtz and steered a superb first-time finish into the far corner. Curaçao briefly levelled through Livano Comenencia's deflected effort beyond Manuel Neuer, but Nico Schlotterbeck headed home from a corner before Havertz rolled in a penalty to restore order. The win marked Germany's first World Cup opening victory in 12 years. [Source: FIFA.com]
Netherlands 2-2 Japan: Kamada's Late Leveller Stuns Oranje
Japan came back to hold the Netherlands late on in Dallas as substitute Koki Ogawa's header was deflected in by Daichi Kamada to reward the Samurai Blue for their perseverance.
Netherlands goals: Van Dijk (50), Summerville (64)
Japan goals: Nakamura (57), Kamada (89)
The Netherlands had looked set to become early Group F frontrunners after Crysencio Summerville's 64th-minute goal. However, as they had done during a 14-minute goal burst earlier in the second half, Japan showed their mettle to secure a point.
Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands captain): "I'm disappointed that we failed to win, but even though we fell behind twice, the players never gave up and fought hard together as a team."
Hajime Moriyasu (Japan coach): "The fact we fought back and earned a draw shows the character of this team. We had a disappointing second match at the last World Cup, so this time we want to get three points and secure qualification."
Daichi Kamada (Japan midfielder): "We take the point, and now we focus on Sweden. It's a start and we have to grow into the tournament."
Scotland Edge Haiti: McGinn the Hero
The Aston Villa man proved the difference as Scotland secured a first global finals win since 1990, defeating Haiti in Boston to send them top of Group C. [Source: FIFA.com]
Australia Stun Turkiye: Irankunda and Beach Shine
Australia beat Turkiye in Vancouver with two excellent goals and a memorable goalkeeping debut. Nestory Irankunda, who played a starring role in a youthful Socceroos side, told FIFA: "There's plenty more to come" from Australia. [Source: FIFA.com]
Neuer Joins Elite World Cup Club
Manuel Neuer became the ninth player to win the World Cup and return to the competition fully 12 years later, following Germany's victory over Curacao. [Source: FIFA.com]
Matchday 5 Preview: Spain and Uruguay Enter the Fray
The action begins in Groups G and H on Monday with Spain v Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia v Uruguay, IR Iran v New Zealand and Belgium v Egypt on the agenda. [Source: FIFA.com]
Around the Grounds
Qatar 1-1 Switzerland: Qatar secured their maiden World Cup point. [Source: FIFA.com]
Brazil 1-1 Morocco: Morocco coach Ouahbi believes the Atlas Lions can build on their historic run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. [Source: FIFA.com]
All information sourced from official FIFA.com/fifaplus. Published June 15, 2026.
