World Cup 2026: Kai Havertz hits brace as Germany overwhelm Curaçao in opener

Kai Havertz scored twice as Germany launched their 2026 World Cup campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao in Houston, becoming only the second time in his career that he has recorded a brace at the tournament.

The Arsenal forward played a key role in Germany’s emphatic Group E win, adding two goals to a dominant team performance that saw Julian Nagelsmann’s side recover from an early setback to secure one of the biggest victories of the opening round.

Germany entered the match as favourites but briefly found themselves under pressure after Curaçao managed to level the score.

Any concerns of an upset, however, quickly disappeared as the Nationalmannschaft took control and gradually pulled away from their opponents.

By the final whistle, Germany had scored seven times, with five different players contributing to the rout.

For Havertz, the night carried additional significance.

The forward converted a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time before returning late in the match to score again in the 88th minute.

His second goal came after being set up by Deniz Undav, allowing him to complete a personal milestone and continue his strong record at World Cup tournaments.

Havertz continues impressive World Cup record

The brace against Curaçao represented Havertz’s third and fourth World Cup goals for Germany.

His previous World Cup goals came during the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he also scored twice in a single match against Costa Rica.

That achievement made him one of Germany’s standout performers during that game, and his latest display in Houston has once again highlighted his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

The 27-year-old has steadily established himself as one of Germany’s most important attacking players and remains a key figure in Nagelsmann’s plans.

Goals add to growing international tally

The two goals also improved Havertz’s overall international record.

Since making his debut for Germany in 2018, the striker has now scored 24 goals in 59 appearances for his country.

Those numbers underline his importance to the national team and reflect the consistency he has shown across several major tournaments.

His contribution against Curaçao ensured Germany’s opening match was not only a successful team performance but also another memorable night in his international career.

Germany make powerful statement in Group E

While Havertz’s brace attracted much of the attention, the result itself was equally significant for Germany.

The seven-goal display provided an ideal start to their World Cup campaign and demonstrated the attacking depth available within the squad.

After briefly being pegged back following Curaçao’s equaliser, Germany responded with authority, scoring repeatedly and controlling large portions of the match.

Strong foundation for the tournament

The victory gives Nagelsmann’s side early momentum as they continue their Group E journey.

Germany will take confidence from both the result and the manner of the performance, having combined attacking efficiency with a relentless approach throughout the contest.

For Havertz, the evening will be remembered for another World Cup brace.

For Germany, it was a statement victory that immediately established them among the early talking points of the tournament