Germany vs Curacao: World Cup preview, predictions and bet builder tips

• Fixture: Germany vs Curacao

• Competition: World Cup group stage (Group E)

• Date: Sunday, 14 June, 2026

• Kick-off: 18:00 BST

• Venue: Houston Stadium, Texas, USA

Our prediction: Germany 4-0 Curacao

Germany

Our predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer / Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Raum / Goretzka, Pavlovich / Sane, Musiala, Wirtz / Havertz

Curacao

Our predicted XI (4-3-3): Room / Sambo, Obsipo, Van Eijma, Floranus / J. Bacuna, Comenencia, L. Bacuna / Chong, Locadia, Hansen

The first pick of our Germany vs Curacao bet builder is for Germany to score over 3.5 goals, with Julian Nagelsmann's side running riot in their World Cup opener - sending them straight to the top of Group E.

The attacking quality of players like Kai Havertz, Leroy Sane, and Florian Wirtz will be far too strong for Curacao, who have been thrown straight into the deep end in their first-ever World Cup match. Dick Advocaat's side conceded four to Scotland in their only warm-up match, and conceded five to Australia a few weeks prior, so there's little to suggest they'll keep such a ruthless European giant at bay in Texas.

Germany have scored 16 goals in their last five competitive matches, so against their weakest opponent of the summer, we're expecting them to score over 3.5 goals again here.

At the heart of all Germany's attacking class is Jamal Musiala, who has already made more than 40 appearances for his country at the age of just 23 - and as the Bayern Munich man pulls all the strings, we're backing him to grab an assist against Curacao.

Having suffered a serious injury at the Club World Cup last summer, Musiala only played 24 games for the German champions this season, but with the midfielder averaging more than 0.5 assists per 90 - and more than two chances created per game - he didn't take long to get back to his very best.

A shorter season should also mean he arrives in North America with relatively fresh legs, and having failed to make much of an impact at the 2022 World Cup, we think this is his time to shine - starting with an assist in Germany's first game.

In a game where Curacao won't expect to have much of the ball, the minnows will have no choice but to stay compact, defend for their lives, and look to nick possession when they get the chance - but in trying to impose themselves, we can see the skipper Leandro Bacuna picking up a card.

Formerly of Aston Villa, Cardiff, and a handful of other English clubs, the ex-Premier League man will want to set the standards for his side against the toughest opponent they'll face at the 2026 World Cup, and will do everything he can to disrupt Germany's rhythm - which often involves committing plenty of fouls to break up the play.

As a result, we think the 34-year-old will be booked in his country's first-ever World Cup outing, as the 1000/1 outsiders do everything they can to make their mark on the world stage.

Wrapping up our Germany vs Curacao preview and predictions, we're backing Germany to not only win the match, but to win both halves against Curacao, with Die Mannschaft showing no mercy as they look to make a statement to the other tournament favourites.

Nine straight victories have the Germans entering the tournament in the best possible form, scoring goals for fun and keeping clean sheets like they're going out of fashion, so you really do fear for a Curacao side who, despite topping their qualifying group, have only won one match since October 2025.

We're predicting a memorable opening match for Germany, cruising to victory by winning both halves against Curacao - who are the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup.

You can bet on each of these markets individually, or combine them to create a Germany vs Curacao Bet Builder. Plus, with Bet Builder+, you can combine your bet not only with other World Cup matches, but also with different sports.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

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