Germany's latest quest for World Cup redemption begins on Sunday when they face Curacao in their opening Group E fixture in Houston.

For a nation with four World Cup titles and one of the richest histories in international football, recent tournaments have brought frustration rather than glory.

Consecutive group-stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022 represented a dramatic fall from the standards expected of Die Mannschaft, making a positive start in Group E in North America more important.

Curacao, meanwhile, arrive with little to lose and much to gain. The Caribbean nation will make history by appearing at their first-ever World Cup, becoming the smallest country by population and land area to ever reach the tournament.

Germany may not have entered the tournament among the leading favourites, but Julian Nagelsmann's side arrive in excellent form and with growing confidence.

The Germans have won each of their last nine matches in all competitions, including victories over Switzerland, Ghana, Finland and co-hosts the United States in their World Cup preparations. More importantly, there is a sense that Nagelsmann has restored clarity to a squad that looked uncertain during recent major tournaments.

With Ecuador and Ivory Coast also competing in Group E, Germany know that victory in their opening fixture would place them firmly in control of their qualification prospects.

Curacao's story is one of the most remarkable at this World Cup. Guided by veteran coach Dick Advocaat, the Blue Wave navigated a challenging qualification route and earned their place among the world's elite.

Recent form has been mixed. A heavy 4-1 defeat to Scotland exposed some defensive vulnerabilities, but a convincing 4-0 victory over Aruba in their final warm-up match provided a welcome boost before travelling to the United States.

While expectations remain modest, Curacao have repeatedly shown resilience throughout their journey and will look to frustrate Germany for as long as possible.

Germany have only one notable fitness concern ahead of the match.

Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has recently recovered from a calf problem, but all indications suggest the 40-year-old will start between the posts. His experience could prove valuable as Germany seek a composed opening performance.

Nagelsmann is expected to field a strong side featuring Joshua Kimmich, Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck at the back, while Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz will provide creativity behind Kai Havertz.

Havertz arrives after another productive season and will lead the attack as he looks to add to his international goal tally.

Curacao report no injury concerns and should have a full squad available.

Captain Leandro Bacuna is expected to marshal the midfield alongside his brother Juninho Bacuna. Former Manchester United academy product Tahith Chong remains the team's most dangerous attacking outlet and will carry much of their creative responsibility in the final third.

Goalkeeper Eloy Room is likely to start behind a defence that includes Armando Obispo and Shurandy Sambo.

Jamal Musiala vs Leandro Bacuna

Germany's most gifted playmaker will look to find pockets of space between the lines. Bacuna's experience and positional discipline could be crucial for Curacao in limiting Musiala's influence.

Kai Havertz vs Armando Obispo

Havertz's movement inside the penalty area presents a significant challenge. Obispo will need to remain alert throughout if Curacao are to keep Germany's attack under control.

Tahith Chong vs Joshua Kimmich

One of Curacao's best chances may come on the counterattack. Chong's pace and direct running could test Kimmich whenever Germany commit players forward.

For Germany, this fixture is about more than simply collecting three points. It represents the first step in a campaign designed to restore their reputation on football's biggest stage. Curacao, meanwhile, will embrace the occasion and attempt to extend one of the World Cup's most unlikely stories.

The challenge facing the tournament newcomers is unique, and World Cups have a habit of producing unexpected moments. Germany will be determined to ensure they are not on the wrong side of one.

The FIFA World Rankings suggest there is a clear favourite here, and Germany are expected to comfortably defeat their debutant opponents and make a strong start in their quest for a fifth World Cup win.