Paraguay declares national holiday after beating Germany in World Cup

President Santiago Peña announced that Tuesday 30 June would be a national holiday in Paraguay to celebrate the football team’s upset victory over Germany. The win came after a 1‑1 draw in regular and extra time in the round‑of‑16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Paraguay prevailing 4‑3 on penalties.

Peña posted on X, “Paraguay never gives up! National holiday,” and said the triumph represents the nation’s identity of perseverance and pride. Thousands gathered in Asunción to celebrate, and the team moves on to face the winner of the France‑Sweden clash on 4 July. Paraguay is the second South‑American nation, after Ecuador, to declare a public holiday following a World Cup knockout‑stage victory.

The announcement underscores the historic significance of the result, with the president noting that the achievement “goes beyond sport.”