Four-time world champions Germany national football team overcame an early scare from World Cup debutants Curacao national football team before producing a commanding display to secure a convincing victory in their opening Group E match in Houston.

Germany made the perfect start, taking the lead after just six minutes through Felix Nmecha. The midfielder, who previously represented England at youth level, curled a powerful effort into the net to score the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

Curacao, however, refused to be intimidated and stunned the Germans with an equaliser in the 21st minute. The Caribbean nation, the smallest country ever to participate in a World Cup by both population and size, celebrated a historic moment when Livano Comenencia fired a left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area that took a deflection and beat veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who was making his fifth World Cup appearance at the age of 40.

Curacao nearly gained further momentum when striker Jurgen Locadia appealed for a penalty after a challenge from Jonathan Tah, but the claims were dismissed.

A hydration break midway through the first half appeared to help Germany regain their composure. The eight-time finalists responded strongly and restored their lead through defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who powered home a header from a corner delivered by Nathaniel Brown.

Germany extended their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Kai Havertz calmly converted a penalty after Curacao defender Riechedly Bazoer brought down the impressive Nmecha inside the area.

Any hopes of a Curacao comeback disappeared shortly after the restart. Just over a minute into the second half, Jamal Musiala finished clinically from a pass by Joshua Kimmich to make it 4-1.

Germany continued to dominate as left-back Brown volleyed home after an intelligent flick from substitute Deniz Undav. Undav then got on the scoresheet himself, sweeping in another assist from Kimmich as Curacao’s resistance faded.

The Stuttgart forward capped an excellent cameo by setting up Havertz for Germany’s seventh and final goal two minutes from full-time. Havertz delicately lifted the ball over goalkeeper Eloy Room to complete a comprehensive victory.

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will miss his country’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto after Canadian authorities denied him entry into the country.

Partey, 32, is currently based with Ghana’s squad in Boston, United States, but will be unable to travel to Canada after his visa application was rejected by the Canadian government.

In a statement, FIFA confirmed that the former Arsenal midfielder, who now plays for Villarreal CF, would not be available for Ghana’s first game of the tournament.

FIFA emphasized that it has no role in the immigration decisions of host nations and that visa approvals and admissions are determined solely by the relevant government authorities.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault involving allegations made by four different women between 2020 and 2022. He is scheduled to stand trial next year and has not been convicted of any offence.

Canadian immigration officials declined to comment on the specific case but stated that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada applies immigration laws consistently to all applicants, regardless of nationality, public profile or involvement in international sporting events.

Officials added that immigration officers assess admissibility under Canadian law and may refuse entry if they determine an individual could pose a security risk.

The Canadian government’s immigration guidelines state that individuals who have committed or been convicted of certain crimes may be found inadmissible to the country.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said American authorities were aware of the pending legal proceedings involving Partey. However, because he has not been convicted of a crime, he was granted a visa and admitted into the United States.

The agency noted that entry decisions are made on a case-by-case basis using available law enforcement, immigration and national security information, while questions regarding Canada’s decision should be directed to Canadian authorities.

Partey’s absence represents a significant setback for Ghana ahead of its World Cup campaign, with the experienced midfielder now set to miss the team’s crucial opening fixture against Panama while legal and immigration issues continue to unfold.

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was poised to become the first official from Somalia to referee at the FIFA World Cup finals, has been denied entry into the United States.

Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, was reportedly stopped by immigration authorities upon arrival at Miami International Airport. He has since traveled to Turkey after being denied admission.

United States immigration officials have not publicly provided a reason for the decision. However, the development comes amid travel restrictions affecting several countries, including Somalia, under policies introduced by the administration of Donald Trump.

Artan had been selected by FIFA as one of 52 match officials chosen to oversee games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 12 to July 19.

A respected figure in Somali football, Artan has served as an official in the country’s national league and earned FIFA referee status in 2018. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation on the continent, officiating matches at the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations and other major competitions.

The incident has raised questions about the impact of travel restrictions on international sporting events, particularly as the United States prepares to host the world’s biggest football tournament alongside its North American partners. FIFA has yet to comment publicly on how Artan’s exclusion could affect its officiating plans for the competition.