Paraguay’s historic FIFA World Cup victory over Germany has been celebrated with a nationwide public holiday after President Santiago Pena signed a decree marking one of the greatest moments in the country’s football history.
Germany vs Paraguay, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Highlights | Report
The South American nation stunned four-time world champions Germany in the Round of 32, prevailing in a dramatic penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 following extra time. The victory secured Paraguay’s place in the Round of 16 for the first time since the 2010 World Cup and instantly became one of the biggest knockout upsets the tournament has witnessed.
Hours after the famous victory, the Paraguayan government announced that Tuesday, June 30, would be observed as a national public holiday.
In an official statement, the Presidency of the Republic said the decision was taken “in recognition of the historic victory of the Paraguayan national football team over Germany.”
The statement added that the measure would allow Paraguayans to celebrate together “this important sporting achievement, which fills the entire nation with pride.”
The accompanying presidential decree described the result as an “epic victory” over Germany and hailed Paraguay’s qualification for the Round of 16 as a landmark achievement for the country.
HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT
The decree underlined the significance of the result, describing the performance as one that embodied Paraguay’s identity and fighting spirit. It also called the victory an achievement that transcended football and united the nation.
Paraguay entered the knockout clash as overwhelming underdogs against a Germany side that had been among the favourites to win the World Cup. But La Albirroja produced a disciplined defensive display before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout to eliminate the four-time champions.
Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero, producing a standout performance before Paraguay converted four of their penalties to complete a famous upset.
The victory also ended Paraguay’s 16-year wait to reach the World Cup knockout rounds, with the South Americans now set to continue their remarkable campaign in the Round of 16.
For a nation whose greatest World Cup run had previously ended in the quarter-finals in 2010, beating Germany was enough to secure a place in football history. Declaring a nationwide public holiday ensured the achievement would be celebrated far beyond the pitch.
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