Paraguay Names National Holiday After Penalty Win Knocks Germany Out of World Cup

Paraguay will observe Tuesday as a national holiday after its stunning elimination of Germany in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a result many observers rank among the greatest shocks in the competition's history.

Reuters reports that President Santiago Peña signed the decree once Paraguay confirmed its place in the Round of 16. The teams finished 1–1 after extra time on Monday before the South Americans prevailed 4–3 in the penalty shootout, ending the run of the four-time world champions.

Paraguay players formed a team huddle during their FIFA World Cup match against Germany on June 29, 2026. (Photo: President Santiago Peña via X)

Posting on X alongside an image of himself signing the order, Peña said: "Today, an entire country celebrates. It celebrates the victory of a team that represents the deepest part of our identity: the grit, the faith and the strength of people who never give up."

The presidential decree held that the triumph extends beyond sport and marks a moment of national pride. The Government said it wanted Paraguayans nationwide to gather and honour the achievement together.

Paraguay is the second South American country to declare a public holiday following a win over Germany at this tournament. Last week, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa took the same step after his nation's 2–1 Group E victory over Germany, a result that secured Ecuador's passage to the knockout stage.