Paraguay celebrated a historic victory by declaring a national holiday after defeating powerhouse Germany to reach the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
After the team secured its place in the last 16 on Nov. 30 (Korea time), Paraguayan President Santiago Pena announced on his X account, formerly Twitter, that he was designating Nov. 30 a national holiday. "Paraguay never gives up. It's a holiday," he wrote, celebrating the team's achievement.
Pena also declared a temporary holiday last September when the team secured qualification for the World Cup finals for the first time in 16 years, since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Paraguayan law allows the executive branch to designate up to three additional public holidays each year.
In the round-of-32 match against Germany at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts, Paraguay drew 1-1 over 120 minutes of extra time before winning 4-3 on penalties. By bringing down Germany, considered a title contender, Paraguay produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Paraguay took the lead just before the end of the first half when Julio Enciso (RC Strasbourg Alsace) finished a cross from Matias Galarza (Atlanta United) with a header. The team conceded an equalizer to Kai Havertz (Arsenal) in the second half, and the match remained undecided through extra time. Goalkeeper Orlando Gill (CA San Lorenzo) made two saves in the shootout to lead the dramatic advance to the round of 16.
Paraguay will face France in the round of 16 on Dec. 5, with a place in the quarterfinals on the line.
