Curaçao began its World Cup journey with tears and smiles, history despite a 7-1 loss against Germany
Although Germany missed out, Curaçao grabbed a historic goal in their first match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. It was the first time the team had scored in the tournament—a moment of great honor for the Caribbean island.
Curaçao made a historic appearance in their first game at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Houston, Texas, but could not avoid a heavy blow after losing against powerhouse Germany, 7-1. The Germans, four-time world champions, could not be denied, but the night was still filled with joy and pride as Curaçao scored their first ever goal in World Cup history.
Exactly in the 22nd minute of the match at NRG Stadium, in front of more than 68,000 fans, Livano Comenencia realized the impossible dream of the nation of Curaçao. The Curaçao-born player, who currently plays for FC Zürich in Switzerland, unleashed a left-footed shot past Manuel Neuer, one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The score was momentarily 1-1—a moment of joy and hope for "The Blue Wave".
<figure style="margin:2rem 0;overflow:hidden;border:1px solid #e2e2e2;background:#f9f9f9"><img src="https://webp.vi.cdn.pxr.nl/news/2026/06/15/c66b35518a0ea623ef222bddab460b8f35f63898.jpg?width=1800" alt="Image" style="width:100%;height:auto;object-fit:contain" loading="lazy" /></figure>Although Germany once again showed strength and posted their advantage, the joy of the six thousand Curaçao supporters in the stadium will not go unnoticed. The whole team cheered, and even Comenencia expressed great joy in his description: "I got the ball and I thought: This is the chance. I used my left and I went in. I didn't really score, but the right was amazing. It's hard to explain. To score for Curaçao in the World Cup. It's so much fun."
In the midst of a fierce battle, Curaçao recorded a moment that is sure to be unforgettable—proof that even in the midst of challenge, hope and success can rise.
