Paraguay defeated four-time World Cup champions Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time at the 2026 World Cup on June 29, advancing to the round of 16 [1, 2, 3].
The victory is regarded as one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history [1, 2, 4, 3]. Fans celebrated inside Paraguay and outside Boston Stadium following the match [4].
On June 30, Paraguay President Santiago Pena declared a national holiday to celebrate the historic triumph [1, 2, 3]. Pena posted on social media that the win reflects "the deepest part of our identity: the grit, the faith, and the strength of people who never give up" [1, 2, 3].
The government decree stated that the victory transcended sport and warranted nationwide celebrations [1, 2, 3]. Pena 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" [1].
The holiday follows Ecuador’s recent declaration of a national holiday after its 2-1 upset victory over Germany last week [1, 2].
Paraguay’s next match and subsequent World Cup schedule will determine how far they advance in the tournament.
