DFB star Pavlovic admits ahead of World Cup opener: “I didn’t know Curaçao” | OneFootball

Aleksandar Pavlovic will make his World Cup debut on Sunday. Ahead of the German national team’s World Cup opener against Curaçao, the FC Bayern midfielder has caused a stir with a remarkably candid statement.

When Germany kicks off the 2026 World Cup against Curaçao in Houston on Sunday, a big dream will come true for Aleksandar Pavlovic. The 22-year-old is now a regular on the national team and is even likely to have a good chance of starting against the underdog.

Ahead of the tournament, the Bayern pro spoke to ZDF about Germany’s first opponent—and surprised everyone with a remarkably candid answer.

“When the draw was made, I didn’t know the country.”

When asked what he knew about Curaçao, Pavlovic responded with unusual honesty. “We were shown a video explaining it. At the draw, I didn’t know the country—I have to admit that honestly,” the midfielder explained.

A statement that is likely to raise a smile among many fans.

With a population of around 156,000, Curaçao is indeed one of the smallest nations ever to participate in a World Cup. For the Caribbean nation, simply participating in the tournament is already a historic achievement.

Pavlovic was quite understanding of this: “It’s certainly a great event for them, and we’re looking forward to the game.”

DFB team warns of strong counterattacks

Despite being the clear favorites, the German team is by no means taking their opening opponents lightly.

Pavlovic revealed that the coaching staff has already prepared the players intensively for Curaçao. “They try to counterattack and sit very deep. We have to watch out for that,” emphasized the Bayern star.

It is precisely opponents like this that have repeatedly caused problems for the German national team in the past. Consequently, the focus is heavily on concentration and patience when in possession.

For the midfielder himself, however, anticipation prevails. “I’m looking forward to getting started, and we’re all fired up,” the 22-year-old explained.

Following his breakthrough at FC Bayern and his first major international matches, Pavlovic is now facing the biggest tournament of his career to date.

Daily life at the World Cup headquarters: “A little boring”

Photo: Getty Images

The Bayern pro also provided interesting insights into life with the German national team during the tournament.

The DFB squad is staying at the luxurious “The Graylyn Estate” in Winston-Salem. The estate resembles a medieval castle and offers the players plenty of places to retreat.

Nevertheless, Pavlovic admitted with a smile: “Our headquarters have everything you need. We’re growing closer here, but it’s also a bit boring.”

A statement that illustrates just how isolated the national team players live during a World Cup.

For Pavlovic, the World Cup is likely to be another great opportunity to showcase himself on the international stage.

After a strong season with FC Bayern, the midfielder has also become a key player under Julian Nagelsmann. Against Curaçao, he could now make his World Cup debut as a starter.

And perhaps the Bayern pro will ensure that, in the future, significantly more people will know where Curaçao is located.