Can Curacao Shock Germany?

Curacao, a small Caribbean island with just 160,000 residents, is making its World Cup debut thanks to FIFA’s expansion to 48 teams this year.

The team spirit in this team is something I've never seen before. As a country, we will give everything to win for the island, but we're not the favourite.

— Dick Advocaat

This is a German Cup situation. David versus Goliath.

— Julian Nagelsmann

Germany will lean on the experience of Manuel Neuer, who will make his fifth World Cup start.

Meanwhile, Iran’s road to the tournament remained uncertain for months amid escalating tensions following an aerial attack by the US and Israel. Despite this, Iran flew into Los Angeles on Sunday ahead of their opener against New Zealand there on Monday — a notable first as a World Cup host facing a nation it is technically at war with.

However, complications continued as Iran’s delegation had to leave 15 support staff behind in Tijuana after the US declined their visa applications.

The day also sees Ivory Coast take on Ecuador and Sweden face Tunisia in Philadelphia. Sweden’s route to the finals was unusual: no wins in qualifiers but qualification secured via their UEFA Nations League performance. Their squad boasts Premier League talents Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.

Action began on Saturday with Brazil held to a 1-1 draw by a robust Morocco side, signaling a serious challenge ahead. Scotland thrilled fans with their first World Cup victory since 1990, a narrow 1-0 win over Haiti thanks to John McGinn’s deflected strike. Australia also impressed, defeating Turkey 2-0 to boost their hopes of advancing from Group D.