World Cup hopefuls Germany kick off their campaign against tournament debutants Curacao in a clash of contrasts in Group E.
The Germans are perennial competition powerhouses and will be eyeing a deep run over the next few weeks, although have a fair bit of recent World Cup pain to banish after premature exits from the last two tournaments. A talented squad has a high-profile manager in Julian Nagelsmann and plenty of options across the side, with Manuel Neuer out of retirement and seemingly set to start in goal.
For Curacao, this could a tough first taste of World Cup football after securing an improbable qualification for the tournament. An overseas territory of the Netherlands, most of Dick Advocaat’s squad are Dutch-born and there is plenty of high-level European experience within the ranks. Can they pull off an almighty shock?
Follow all of the latest from the Group E clash in Houston with our live blog below:
Team news
A bit of early team news for you, as it appears Manuel Neuer is set to start on his return from retirement. The goalkeeper had seemingly bowed out of international football after Euro 2024, but has been convinced to feature at one last tournament and squeezed out the unfortunate Oliver Baumann for the No 1 shirt after injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Manuel Neuer comes out of international retirement to make Germany World Cup squad
Manuel Neuer is back in the Germany squad after performing a retirement U-turnHarry Latham-Coyle14 June 2026 15:10
Germany vs Curacao
It’s hot and stormy in Houston today, with Lawrence Ostlere our man in town after a couple of days in Los Angeles. The Independent’s chief sports writer is rather looking forward to watching Group E get going – it’s mighty intriguing.
World Cup 2026 – Group E guide: Germany battle Ecuador’s golden generation
Germany have not progressed past the group stages since winning the World Cup in 2014Harry Latham-Coyle14 June 2026 15:00
Germany vs Curacao LIVE
The World Cup rolls on with a clash of contrasts between tournament powerhouses Germany and debutants Curacao. Can the island nation, an overseas territory of the Netherlands, create a huge upset after an improbable qualification?
Kick off in Houston is at 6pm BST.
Harry Latham-Coyle14 June 2026 09:51