When the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off its expanded 48-team format across North America, one of its most lopsided matchups on paper will also be one of its most symbolic. Germany, four-time world champions and perennial contenders, will open their campaign against Curaçao on June 14, 2026, with a 13:00 CDT kickoff at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Germany is projected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Curaçao is expected to line up in a 3-5-2 formation with three center-backs, five players in midfield, and two strikers.

These two teams have never played each other. Not in a friendly, not in a qualifier, not in any competition at any level.

Curaçao is making its World Cup debut, one of the smallest nations to ever qualify for the tournament. The expanded 48-team format, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, opened doors that previous 32-team tournaments kept firmly shut.

Germany arrives in Houston after a group-stage exit at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, followed by another early departure from the 2022 edition in Qatar. Betting markets estimate Germany at roughly a 90% win probability.

Group E also features Ivory Coast and Ecuador. NRG Stadium in Houston seats over 70,000 and serves as home of the NFL’s Texans.