What happened: Germany begins its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Sunday evening against debutants Curaçao at Houston Stadium in the USA. Manager Julian Nagelsmann has officially confirmed that veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will start the match in goal.

Why it matters: The fixture marks a historic milestone for Curaçao, the smallest nation to ever qualify for a men's World Cup. Germany enters the tournament on a nine-match winning streak and is heavily favored to secure three points in its quest for a fifth world title.

What to watch: Following the opener, Germany will continue its Group E schedule with matches against Ivory Coast and Ecuador as they look to advance to the knockout stages.