World Cup 2026: Germany run riot, Dutch pegged back twice, Doku ‘key’ for Belgium | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has barely settled, yet it’s already producing headlines across every corner of North America.

After a goal-shy start to the tournament, some of the leading title contenders dished out a thrilling spectacle of attacking football on Sunday.

Read on as we take you through the key moments and look ahead to what’s next at the World Cup.

Curacao thrown into baptism of fire by rampant Germany

Curacao will want to forget their maiden World Cup fixture in a hurry after being trounced by Germany in their opening Group E outing.

Dick Advocaat’s side suffered a chastening 7-1 defeat at Houston’s NRG Stadium as Die Mannschaft launched their title quest in style.

Seeking a place in the knockout stage for the first time since winning the tournament in 2014, Julian Nagelsmann’s high-flying team showed no mercy, with Felix Nmecha breaking the deadlock after just six minutes.

However, Curacao replied 15 minutes later through Livano Comenencia. Regrettably, their resistance quickly crumbled as Germany shifted through the gears and ran riot before half-time.

Goals from Nico Schlotterbeck and Kai Havertz propelled the four-time world champions to a comfortable 3-1 lead at the break. Unfortunately for Pantera Negra, the Germans had no interest in slowing down in the second half.

Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav and Havertz were on the scoresheet after half-time to seal Germany’s first 7-1 triumph since their memorable win over Brazil in the 2014 semi-finals.

As expected, the smallest nation by both size and population ever to participate in a World Cup stood no chance against one of the strongest title contenders, who now turn to a much sterner test against Ivory Coast.

Brave Samurai hold Dutch in four-goal thriller

In stark contrast to Group E’s one-sided opener, the Netherlands and Japan went toe-to-toe in a nerve-shredding Group F curtain-raising clash at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Fans had little to cheer about in the opening 45 minutes, even though both sides had several decent chances. Indeed, it was a slow-burning contest that started picking up pace in the second half.

Ronald Koeman’s charges found the breakthrough six minutes after the break as Liverpool stalwart Virgil van Dijk headed home an inch-perfect out-swinging cross from Ryan Gravenberch.

Japan needed just six minutes to draw level. Keito Nakamura picked up the ball just inside the box and, despite going backwards, he managed to unleash a shot that took a fortunate deflection and caught Bart Verbruggen off guard.

Hajime Moriyasu’s celebration was short-lived as Cryscencio Summerville painted his major tournament debut with flying colours, slotting a left-footed curler behind Zion Suzuki to restore the Netherlands’ lead.

When it looked like the Dutch would enjoy a dream start to this summer’s event, Koki Ogawa got on the end of Junya Ito’s corner with a thumping header that glanced Daichi Kamada on its way in.

Despite extending their unbeaten run in the World Cup group-stage matches to 17, Koeman’s side will feel this was two points dropped rather than one gained, especially after surrendering the lead twice.

Cape Verde keen to avoid Curacao fate against European champions

For the first time since becoming an independent nation in 1975, Cape Verde will participate in the most prestigious international tournament. Excitement is at an all-time high, but they may want to hold their breath.

Set to test Cape Verde’s credentials in their first-ever World Cup game are reigning European champions Spain. Widely regarded as one of the top candidates to win the trophy, La Furia Roja look primed to make a statement from the outset.

Damage limitation is likely to be at the forefront of Bubista’s mind in this ‘David vs Goliath’ showdown at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Given the strength of their opposition, it could prove to be a tall order, yet there’s a silver lining. They have won six of their last seven World Cup qualifiers and two warm-up fixtures, boosting their confidence ahead of this encounter.

With Spain’s deadly duo, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, set to start on the bench, there is at least some hope for Cape Verde to avoid an early catastrophe and stay within touching distance.

Manchester City winger urged to show up ahead of Belgium opener vs Egypt

Egypt’s winless record at the World Cup faces another formidable challenge as they prepare to meet Belgium in the opening Group G match at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Former Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne gears up for his last major tournament with De Rode Duivels after a mixed season in Serie A with Napoli.

Now in the autumn of his illustrious career, the 34-year-old is still dreaming of winning a piece of silverware with his country, and this may well be his last chance to do so.

However, Belgium cannot rely on a veteran to carry them through on his own, and De Bruyne seems well aware of that.

During his recent interview with FOX Sports, he underlined Jeremy Doku’s importance to Belgium’s tournament aspirations, highlighting his quality and notable improvement over the past 12 months.

“Defending Jeremy for 90 minutes is impossible,” De Bruyne said. “He has also become more efficient over the past year.

“He has found more moments where he can choose his situations. To play a top tournament, we need a good Doku.”

Let’s see if Doku can rise to the occasion and deliver on the biggest stage of all.

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Although Doku proved his credentials in the Premier League, this will be a different test altogether, especially given the amount of pressure Rudi Garcia’s men are facing after an unceremonious group-stage elimination in Qatar.

Keen to end Egypt’s agonisingly long wait for a first win at the World Cup finals, outgoing Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah will be tasked with producing his own version of Doku’s game-changing threat.

It promises to be a must-watch contest.