World Cup 2026: Paraguay declare national celebration after Stunning Germany upset

The government of Paraguay has declared a national public holiday after the country’s football team produced a dramatic and historic upset over Germany to secure qualification for the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

The decision came in the wake of emotional celebrations across the nation following Paraguay’s penalty shootout victory, which sealed a 1-1 draw after normal and extra time before a 4-3 win from the spot.

The result eliminated Germany, the four-time world champions, in one of the tournament’s most shocking outcomes so far.

National celebration declared after historic win

President Santiago Peña confirmed the public holiday in a message shared shortly after the match, joining thousands of jubilant supporters across the country in celebrating the achievement.

“Paraguay never gives up!!” reacted Santiago Peña on the social network X, in a jubilant message hailing the national team’s achievement and announcing a holiday.

His announcement reflected the widespread national emotion following a night of celebration that continued into Tuesday, as Paraguay marked one of the most significant victories in its modern football history.

Mass celebrations in Asunción

In the capital city Asunción, thousands of fans gathered late into the evening around the Pantheon of Heroes, turning the area into a sea of red and white as supporters celebrated their team’s qualification.

The atmosphere was described as electric, with fans singing, chanting, and waving flags long after the final penalty was converted.

The celebrations highlighted the emotional connection between the national team and its supporters, as Paraguay prepared to face the winner of the France-Sweden clash in the next round.

Government highlights national unity

A formal decree issued by the Presidency of the Republic stated that the holiday was intended to give Paraguayan families the opportunity to share in a moment of national pride.

It noted that the victory “transcends sport” and reinforces “the unity and identity of the country”. The document also praised the team’s determination, describing their performance as a reflection of the “will and resilience of the Paraguayan people”.

Symbol of resilience and regional pride

The Albirroja’s victory has been widely seen as a defining moment for Paraguayan football, with the team praised for its fighting spirit against one of the most successful nations in World Cup history.

Paraguay thus joins Ecuador, which also declared a public holiday last week following the Tri’s qualification for the knockout stage of the World Cup, obtained thanks to a victory against Germany (2-1).

The result places Paraguay among the tournament’s surprise success stories, with belief growing among supporters that their team’s journey may yet continue further on the global stage.