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Germany begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on Sunday against Curacao in Houston, a Group E opener in which anything other than a routine win would be viewed as a major shock. While the Germans have not been widely tipped as favourites this summer, they may welcome the lower profile given their pedigree: four-time world champions in 1954, 1974, 1990 and 2014. They also have plenty to prove after group-stage exits in both 2018 and 2022.
It comes as no surprise that this is quite possibly the biggest mismatches in this expanded tournament with Germany 1/16 firm favourites with Sky Bet while Curacao are 35/1 with Betfred and a draw is 18/1 with Paddy Power – so the question is not a matter of who but how much by? You can also find more betting offers at the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side arrive in strong form, winning nine straight matches in all competitions, including friendlies this year against Switzerland, Ghana, Finland and co-hosts the USA. With Ivory Coast and Ecuador also in Group E — and third place potentially enough to advance — Germany will expect to reach the knockout stage.
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Curacao, meanwhile, are making history in their first World Cup appearance. Dick Advocaat’s team topped their qualifying group last November, becoming the smallest nation by population and area to reach the finals. They lost 4-1 to Scotland in a warm-up but bounced back with a 4-0 win over Aruba.
Ranked 82nd by FIFA, Curacao will treat any point as a major achievement, but with the experienced Advocaat in charge, the Blue Wave will believe they can make life awkward for their illustrious opponents.
- Germany over 4.5 goals – 13/8 (Sky Bet)
- Germany to win to nil – 4/9 (Betfred
- Jamal Musiala to score two or more goals – 15/4 (William Hill)
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Germany’s only notable fitness concern is goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who is managing a calf issue, though the expectation is that the 40-year-old will still start against Curacao on Sunday.
Julian Nagelsmann can lean on plenty of headline talent, with Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah, Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz all expected to feature. Kai Havertz, fresh from scoring in Arsenal’s Champions League final, is set to lead the line as he looks to add to his 22 international goals.
Curacao report no injury problems, giving Dick Advocaat a full squad to pick from. Leandro Bacuna is set to captain the side and could be joined in midfield by his brother Juninho, while former Manchester United prospect Tahith Chong is the key attacking threat after scoring three times in his first six caps.
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