Paraguay declares national holiday after beating Germany at World Cup

Paraguay has declared Tuesday a national holiday after the national football team pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the FIFA World Cup, defeating four-time champions Germany to reach the Round of 16.

President Santiago Peña announced the public holiday to allow citizens across the country to celebrate the historic victory.

The South American side stunned Germany after holding the European giants to a 1-1 draw after extra time before winning 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout on Monday. The result marked one of the tournament's biggest shocks, with Paraguay knocking out one of football's traditional powerhouses.

Announcing the public holiday, Peña praised the team's resilience and fighting spirit.

Por decreto del presidente Santiago Peña, este 30 de junio será Feriado Nacional por la clasificación de Paraguay a los 8vos de final de la Copa del Mundo. pic.twitter.com/4weRRP6b8S

— Fernando Riquelme (@friquelme9) June 30, 2026

"We celebrate the victory of a national team that represents the very deepest part of our identity: the grit, the faith, and the strength of a people who never give up," Peña wrote on his official X account.

"Today, an entire country celebrates," he added alongside a photo of himself signing the decree, thanking the national team "for giving us this immense joy and for bringing millions of Paraguayans together once again under a single flag."

The declaration sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans taking to the streets waving Paraguayan flags, singing patriotic songs and hailing what many described as one of the country's greatest sporting achievements.

Paraguay is now the second South American nation to declare a public holiday after a surprise World Cup victory over Germany. Last week, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa announced a national holiday after Ecuador's stunning 2-1 Group E victory over Germany secured the country's place in the knockout stage.

With momentum on their side, Paraguay will now turn their attention to the Round of 16 as they look to continue their remarkable World Cup run.