World Cup Day 4: Germany rout Curaçao, Japan steal draw with Netherlands, Sweden trounce Tunisia

Germany delivered a statement win on Day 4 of the 2026 World Cup, beating debutants Curaçao 7-1, while Japan fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands and Sweden routed Tunisia 5-1.

Germany overwhelm World Cup debutants Curaçao

In Houston, Germany beat Curaçao 7-1 in a one-sided Group E clash. Curaçao described in reports as the smallest nation by population to qualify for the tournament, with about 160,000 people had an early moment to savour when Livano Comenencia scored, giving the Caribbean side a historic first World Cup goal.

Germany quickly reasserted control. Felix Nmecha opened the scoring for the Germans and Kai Havertz grabbed a goal in each half, one from the penalty spot. The victory marked the first time Germany had won their opening World Cup match since 2014.

“It took us a few minutes to get back into the game after they equalized. Curaçao can play football too, as we saw, and I’m curious to see how they’ll fare in the group going forward,” said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“I’m very satisfied with us scoring seven goals and our performance for the most part. A winning start is always important and we’re glad we managed it,” he added.

Curacao coach Dick Advocaat said:

“It is not embarrassing to lose like that against such a team.”

Reports note that Curaçao will face Ecuador and Ivory Coast in their remaining Group E fixtures.

Japan fight back for dramatic 2-2 draw with Netherlands

At Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Japan came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with the Netherlands. Virgil van Dijk put the Dutch ahead with a header before Keito Nakamura quickly levelled. After Crysencio Summerville curled in what appeared to be a match-winning finish just after the hour mark, Japan salvaged a point when Daichi Kamada forced home a deflected equaliser in the 89th minute.

Other results: Ivory Coast and Sweden wins

In Philadelphia, Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a last-gasp finish. Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute, side-footing home from a low cross by Wilfried Singo.

Elsewhere, Sweden defeated Tunisia 5-1 in the late fixture on Sunday.

What this means

Day 4 produced a mix of heavy victories and late drama. Germany’s emphatic win gives them momentum in Group E, Japan’s late equaliser keeps them level with the Netherlands in Group F, and narrow and convincing results in the other matches have already begun to shape the early standings.

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