liveUpdated 8m agoFollow live coverage as Germany launch their 2026 World Cup against Curacao.The Athletic Live TeamJune 14, 2026 at 8:31 AM EDTGermany take on World Cup debutants Curacao today GettyGermany vs Curacao — LatestGermany and Curacao get their World Cup campaigns underway in Houston today.On paper, this looks like a mismatch: Germany are heavyweights of international football looking to make amends for recent group-stage exits, while Curacao are appearing at the tournament for the first time. Only a comfortable win will satisfy Julian Nagelsmann’s side as they look to qualify from a group that also features Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Kick-off: Noon local time, 1pm ET, 7pm CETHow to watch: FOXShare your thoughts in our matchday discussion or by emailing live@theathletic.comHow far can Germany go? Getty ImagesThis morning, the front page of Bild, Germany’s biggest tabloid, had a big picture of captain Joshua Kimmich surrounded by his 25 teammates and the caption: Macht uns Stolz!Make us proud!Can they do it? Today, yes, beyond that who knows? Germany have brought talent to this tournament, but their progress through it depends on Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, their two attacking midfielders. On their day, both are world class. Unfortunately, there have not been many of those days lately, with Musiala and Wirtz both suffering through difficult seasons (for Bayern Munich and Liverpool respectively).During the preparatory friendlies, Kai Havertz has played well. That’s important, because Havertz is a rare attacking pivot, capable of scoring goals but also opening attacking doors for his teammates. Can that dynamic work? Let’s hope so. One of the commonalities between Germany’s group stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022 was an inability to create chances. Havertz helps with that. Expect him to be moved around a lot, both in possession and as a way of making space.And the German defence; that has a question mark against it. Nico Schlotterbeck and Jonathan Tah will likely start in central defence, with Joshua Kimmich on the right of the back-four and Nathaniel Brown on the left. Brown, who is currently subject to significant interest from Bayern, will be preferred over David Raum. Raum is a more orthodox full back who sticks close to the touchline and is an excellent crosser. Brown is more technical and versatile. He can play in field to a higher standard and will be used to supplement the midfield and create numerical advantages.What happened to Germany at the last World Cup? Getty ImagesA 4-2 victory against Costa Rica wasn’t enough to salvage Germany’s 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar as they exited the tournament at the group stage.Hansi Flick’s side fell to an opening defeat against Japan before drawing 1-1 with Spain, who ended up progressing on goal difference. That meant back-to-back tournaments without getting out of the groups for Germany — far below what is expected from this proud footballing nation. Are Germany World Cup contenders? Getty ImagesThe Germans have, by their standards, gone through a rough time in the past few years: they haven’t got past the quarter-finals in their past four tournaments, crashing out at the World Cup group stage in 2018 and 2022. But they do have some talent, and if they manage to solve their centre-forward problem, bet on them to look more like the Germany we know and fear from years gone by.Subscribe to The Athletic! The AthleticThere is no better time to be a subscriber to The Athletic for all the sporting insight, analysis and live coverage you need during the World Cup and beyond.As well as the ongoing tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, you can get your football fix with us for the rest of the year with our Champions League and Premier League coverage, as well as Europe’s top leagues.Meanwhile, the Formula 1 season is in full swing, plus we have golf, tennis and more on the cards.Subscribe to The Athletic on an exclusive offer here.Where is the game being played? Getty ImagesNRG Stadium, home to the NFL’s Houston Texans, is our venue for today’s game. It was opened in 2002, has a capacity of 72,220, and is the oldest stadium in the NFL with a retractable roof. Having previously hosted two Super Bowls, XXXVII and LI, the venue will soon play host to seven World Cup matches, with today’s the first. Throughout the tournament, it will be referred to as Houston Stadium due to FIFA’s rules prohibiting stadium sponsorships. How to watch Germany vs Curacao Getty ImagesHere’s how to watch today’s Group E game depending on where you are in the world.U.S.: FOXCanada: TSNGermany: Das ErsteCuracao: NPO 1UK: ITVWhat time is Germany vs Curacao? Getty ImagesToday’s game gets underway at noon in Houston.That’s 1pm ET and 10am PT in the U.S., or 6pm BST and 7pm CET on the other side of the Atlantic. Welcome to The Athletic’s live coverage! Getty ImagesHello and welcome along to The Athletic’s live World Cup coverage of Germany vs Curacao.Today we’ll see a tournament heavyweight go up against a small island nation making their first appearance at the tournament. Germany are the big favorites, while Curacao, ranked 82nd in the world, have nothing to lose in their World Cup debut. Please do get in touch ahead of and during this one — we’d love to hear from you. Subscribers can use the Discuss tab at the top of the page in the app or on mobile, and those who don’t yet subscribe can email us at live@theathletic.com.Without further ado, let’s get going!