June 14, 2026
Germany’s defender #18 Nathaniel Brown (L) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal during the 2026 World Cup Group E football match between Germany and Curacao at the Houston Stadium in Houston on June 14, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Julian Nagelsmann said Germany’s 7-1 win against World Cup debutants Curacao on Sunday will grow his charges’ self-belief as they seek a fifth title.
Since lifting the World Cup for the fourth time in their history 12 years ago in Brazil, Germany have struggled on football’s biggest stage and failed to progress beyond the group stage at the last two editions.
“We really need this self confidence. I think it grew, it was definitely there but it grew,” Nagelsmann said after Germany thrashed Curacao to record their first opening-match win at a World Cup since 2014.
