Paraguay’s president has declared a national holiday following the country’s stunning penalty shootout victory over Germany at the 2026 World Cup, which sent the four-time champions home and put Paraguay into the round of 16.
Santiago Peña signed the decree on Tuesday, posting a photo of the moment on X alongside the message: “Today, the entire country celebrates.” He added: “This is a celebration of a team that represents the deepest aspects of our identity: determination, faith, and the strength of a people that never surrenders.”
The official decree stated that Paraguay’s win extended far beyond sport and merited a nationwide celebration. “The government cannot overlook this great achievement,” it read. “It is necessary to bring together all the people of Paraguay to celebrate this historic day.”
Paraguay beat Germany 4-3 on penalties after the two sides drew 1-1 following extra time, pulling off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.
Paraguay is the second South American country to declare a public holiday following a shock result against Germany at this tournament. Ecuador’s president Daniel Noboa did the same last week after his country beat Germany 2-1 in Group E to advance to the knockout stage.
