Key Takeaways:
- On Monday, Paraguay secured a 4-3 victory on penalties against Germany after a 1-1 draw through extra time in the World Cup round of 16
- Paraguay President Santiago Pena declared Tuesday a national holiday to celebrate the achievement, citing its historic significance
- Last week, Ecuador had also declared a national holiday after defeating Germany 2-1 in Group E to qualify for the knockout rounds
Presidential Decree Celebrates Unprecedented Success
Paraguay’s President, Santiago Pena, announced a national holiday for Tuesday in honour of the country’s extraordinary progression to the World Cup round of 16, following their dramatic upset over four-time champions Germany. The penalty shoot-out victory, by a margin of 4-3 after a 1-1 stalemate through extra time on Monday, was swiftly recognised at the highest levels of Paraguayan government as a momentous occasion warranting national jubilation.
¡Gigante Paraguay! 🇵🇾
Hoy celebra todo un país. Celebra la victoria de una selección que representa lo más profundo de nuestra identidad: la garra, la fe y la fuerza de un pueblo que nunca se rinde.
Gracias, Albirroja, por regalarnos esta alegría inmensa y por volver a unir a… pic.twitter.com/TNDU8wtctL
— Santiago Peña (@SantiPenap) June 30, 2026
Pena shared a picture of himself signing the official decree on X, and wrote, “Today, an entire country celebrates.” He added that the team’s triumph exemplifies “the grit, the faith, and the strength of people who never give up.”
Significance Extends Beyond the Pitch
The decree, also published on President Pena’s social media channels, emphasised that this extraordinary football result transcends sport, symbolising a unifying moment for Paraguay. It stated, “The government cannot remain indifferent to this tremendous achievement. It is necessary to facilitate the gathering of all Paraguayans in celebration of this historic day.”
South American Teams Making History
Paraguay has become the second South American nation in quick succession to declare a national holiday following a shock World Cup result over Germany. Last week, Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa issued a similar decree when Ecuador achieved a 2-1 win against the Germans in Group E, earning their own place in the tournament’s knockout phase.
