Tiny Curacao tackle Germany at World Cup as Iran arrive in US
The smallest nation by population in the tournament comes face-to-face with the four-time winners on Sunday when tiny Curacao play Germany in a true World Cup fairytale...
✨ Key Highlights
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with a fairytale matchup as Curacao, the tournament's smallest nation by population, faces four-time champions Germany. Meanwhile, Iran is set to arrive in the United States for their opening match amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
- Curacao, with a population of just 160,000, makes its World Cup debut thanks to the expanded 48-team format.
- The match is described as a "David and Goliath" encounter by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, while Curacao coach Dick Advocaat, the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78, hopes his team can "steal some points".
- Iran will play New Zealand in Los Angeles, marking the first time a World Cup host has hosted a nation it is at war with.
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McGinn Gives Scotland Win Over Haiti on World Cup Return - June 2026
Scotland secured a historic 1-0 victory over Haiti in their return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, with the winning goal coming from a scrappy finish by John McGinn just before the half-hour mark. Australia secured a surprise 2-0 victory over Turkey in their Group D opener, thanks to a bold selection strategy by coach Tony Popovic. Vinicius Junior scored a brilliant equalizer for Brazil, securing a 1-1 draw against Morocco in their opening match in New Jersey. Meanwhile, Qatar secured their first-ever World Cup point with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Switzerland, thanks to a late equalizer. The tournament kicked off with a fairytale matchup as Curacao, the tournament's smallest nation by population, faced four-time champions Germany.
