Germany forward Deniz Undav, 29, will make his World Cup debut in the Group E opener against Curacao on Sunday, likely as the starting striker for the team [1, 2]. Four years ago, Undav played in the Belgian second division, making a World Cup appearance seem unlikely at the time. Since then he has dramatically risen through the ranks to become one of Germany’s leading goal scorers [1, 2].
Undav scored 19 Bundesliga goals for VfB Stuttgart in the 2023/24 season, finishing second in the league’s scoring chart behind Harry Kane. He joined Stuttgart initially on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023 [1, 2]. His goal-scoring form helped earn him a return to the Germany national team after he was not called up in 2025 and appeared out of contention [1, 2].
In March 2026, Undav scored a late winning goal against Ghana as a substitute, though Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed doubts about his suitability as a starting striker at that time. Nagelsmann later apologized for those remarks, as Undav continued to prove his worth on the international stage [1, 2].
Undav maintained his good form by scoring two goals in a 4-0 Germany win over Finland in May 2026 [1, 2]. Speaking about his rise, Undav said, "When I think about where I was just four years ago I could not have imagined I would be here. Now it comes very quickly and in two days we have the first game and we want a win and have success with the national team" [1].
Undav also emphasized his focus on scoring, whether starting or coming off the bench: "Scoring goals is my job, whether from the bench or not. If I play from the start or not, I have to give it 100% and score goals. That is the only thing. The rest you cannot influence" [1].
Germany aims to start the World Cup with a victory after exiting in the first round in both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Undav said, "It would be very important (to start with a win) after the last two failed starts (in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups). We want to win. If you start with a win in the first match then you put down a marker for the team and that's very important for us and the fans" [1].
Germany is drawn in Group E alongside Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador [1, 2]. The Group E opener with Curacao is set for June 14, 2026, with Undav expected to lead the attack [1, 2].