World Cup: Germany vs Curacao predictions and betting tips – Get 5/6 on Nagelsmann’s side

Germany arrive at most World Cups with the intention of going home with the trophy, but expectations are more modest this time. That may actually help Julian Nagelsmann’s side, who are not among the outright favourites for victory.

Germany begin their campaign against Curacao, one of four debutants this summer. Will this be a one-sided affair?

Germany vs Curacao confirmed lineups

• Germany expected lineup: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown; Nmecha, Pavlovic; Sane, Wirtz, Musiala; Havertz.
• Curacao expected lineup: Room; Gaari, Hansen, Odispo; Floranus, Comenencia, L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna, Fonville; Chong; Locadia.

Germany vs Curacao Betting Tips

• Germany to win both halves and both teams not to score – 5/6 with Coral
• Curacao +3.5 Asian handicap – 4/5 with Star Sports
• Jamal Musiala to score any time – 4/6 with 247Bet

Germany vs Curacao head to head overview

• Date: Sunday 14th June.
• Kick-off: 6pm.
• Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, USA.
• Where to watch: BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
• Referee: TBC.
• VAR: Yes.
• Last meeting: Never played before.
• Favourite to win: Germany.

Germany vs Curacao predictions

Germany are accustomed to entering World Cups as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, but that is not the case this time around.

At the time of writing ahead of the opening game on Thursday, the Nationalelf are seventh in the bookies’ list of most likely champions, available at a best price of 16/1.

Spain, France, England, Brazil, Portugal and Argentina are all considered more probable winners than Germany, who will not necessarily mind going under the radar.

This is not a vintage Germany squad. Few players in this side would get into the starting XI that won the country their fourth World Cup in 2014.

Yet there are still reasons for Germany to be quietly optimistic. They may have gone out of Euro 2024 at the quarter-final stage, but Julian Nagelsmann’s side pushed eventual winners Spain all the way before losing to an extra-time goal.

Germany resembled a club team for much of that tournament. They were balanced, cohesive and well coached. Expect more of the same in North America.

There is quality in the ranks too, even if not quite as much as previous iterations of the national team. 

Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz provide a sprinkling of stardust in the final third. Joshua Kimmich is a reliable performer whether he is deployed in midfield or at right-back, and Jonathan Tah brings a touch of class to the centre of defence. Between the posts, Manuel Neuer has been coaxed out of international retirement for one last tournament. 

One of four debutants in 2026, Curacao are the smallest nation to have ever qualified for a World Cup. With a population of just 159,000, simply being here is a remarkable achievement for the self-governing Dutch Caribbean territory.

Germany vs Curacao betting tips

Germany begin their World Cup 2026 campaign against Curacao in Texas this weekend.

Germany to start with win

Having stepped down when his daughter developed health problems earlier this year, Dick Advocaat is back in the Curacao dugout after her condition improved.

That is good news for the minnows, but it will not be enough to prevent them falling to defeat on matchday one.

Germany will view this game as an ideal opportunity to make a statement of intent. They will aim to start quickly, pressing high and pinning Curacao back.

It will be tough for Advocaat’s team to create clear-cut chances, never mind score a goal. And as well as keeping a clean sheet, Germany are capable of scoring in both halves.

Tip Germany to win both halves and both teams not to score at 5/6 with Coral

Will Curacao compete?

While we expect Germany to dominate proceedings on Sunday, they may ease up once they have established a healthy lead.

Even with a 6pm kick-off, it will be warm in Houston throughout this game. Energy conservation will be important for Nagelsmann’s team ahead of tougher tests against Ivory Coast and Ecuador.

If Germany are, say, 3-0 up with an hour on the clock, they will opt to manage the rest of the encounter rather than continuing to push forward in search of more goals.

Curacao would love to get something from this match, but realistically a three-goal defeat would not be the worst outcome.

Tip Curacao with a +3.5 Asian handicap at 4/5 with Star Sports

Musiala one to watch

This feels like a tournament in which Jamal Musiala could really shine.

The Bayern Munich attacker missed much of the 2025/26 season with injury, so he should be relatively fresh for the World Cup.

The 23-year-old has the talent and personality to be Germany’s main man this summer. An elite dribbler, Musiala is also a creative passer and a goal threat, as evidenced by a respectable return of seven goals in his last 13 internationals.

At the odds available, it is well worth a wager on Musiala to find the back of the net this weekend.

Go for Jamal Musiala to score any time at 4/6 with 247Bet

Germany vs Curacao latest odds

Find the latest Germany vs Curacao betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.

More World Cup 2026 predictions

We have plenty more World Cup 2026 predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.

Important historical facts about Germany and Curacao for betting

Germany head into the World Cup on a nine-match winning streak. Curacao have lost three games on the bounce ahead of their World Cup debut. Germany lost their opening game of World Cup 2018 to CONCACAF opposition, going down 1-0 to Mexico.

About the author

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.

Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball

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