FIFA WC: Germany thrash debutants Curacao 7-1; Japan and the Netherlands draw 2- 2

Germany thrashed debutants Curacao 7-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign opener in Houston yesterday. German midfielder Felix Nmecha opened the scoring in the sixth minute, courtesy of a fine assist from Florian Wirtz. Curacao equalised in the 21st minute through Livano Comenencia, and it was also their first-ever WC goal. 

In other FIFA World Cup action, Japan and the Netherlands played out an exciting 2-2 draw in their Group ​F opener match at  Dallas Stadium, Texas. After a scoreless first half, Virgil van Dijk put the Netherlands ahead with a header, but Keito Nakamura quickly equalised for Japan with a sharp strike. The Netherlands regained the lead through a spectacular curling shot from Crysencio Summerville and seemed close to victory. However, Japan fought back late in the game, securing the final 2-2 draw when a header from Koki Ogawa deflected off Daichi Kamada and beat the Dutch goalkeeper.

Today, Tunisia and Sweden will square off in Group F match at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. It is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 a.m. IST (Indian Standard Time). In other event for today, Spain will play against Cabo Verde  in their Group H match at the Atlanta Stadium in the United States. The game will start at 9:30 PM IST.