Germany vs. Curaçao preview: Team news and predicted lineups | OneFootball

After two shocking World Cup group-stage exits in a row, Germany will be looking to go further at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada – starting with a win over Curaçao in Houston on Sunday at 19:00 CEST.

Germany will be heavy favourites heading into their first game in Group E, which also includes Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador.

Ranked 82nd in the FIFA rankings and largely made up of players based in the Netherlands, World Cup debutants Curaçao are among the lowest-ranked teams at the tournament, only ahead of Haiti (83rd) and New Zealand (85th). 

Their most high-profile players include captain and former Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna, as well as Sheffield United attacker Tahith Chong.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side have had a solid build-up to the World Cup, beating Finland 4-0 and the United States 2-1 ahead of the tournament to extend their winning run to nine straight matches.

Curaçao’s preparations, by contrast, have been rather chaotic. 78-year-old coaching veteran Dick Advocaat resigned in February due to his daughter’s health concerns, but returned in May following issues between his successor, Fred Rutten, and the squad.

In their warm-up friendlies, Curaçao were comfortably beaten 4-1 by Scotland, before thrashing minnows Aruba 4-0 thanks to four second-half goals.

Team news and predicted lineups:

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has been forced into a change to his 26-man squad after Bayern Munich’s Lennart Karl picked up an injury in training and withdrew, with Assan Ouédraogo called up as his replacement.

Karl’s injury is a significant blow for Germany, as the 18-year-old looked to have a strong chance of starting on the right wing. Leroy Sané now appears likely to fill that role after starting and scoring in Germany’s 2-1 win over the United States, although he didn't fully convince in that game.

After coming out of international retirement, Manuel Neuer was left out of Germany’s warm-up friendlies due to calf problems, but Nagelsmann said on Saturday that the clear plan is for the 40-year-old to start against Curaçao.

Notably, Nathaniel Brown appears to have moved ahead of David Raum in the pecking order at left-back, while Felix Nmecha looks set to partner Aleksandar Pavlović in central midfield.

Curaçao, meanwhile, appear to have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match.

Click here to see our predicted Germany vs. Curaçao lineups.