Paraguay stunned the world by reaching the World Cup round of 16 after beating Germany on penalties on June 30. President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday to mark the epic triumph, turning the day into a patriotic celebration.

How was the match decided?

The game, played on Monday, ended 1‑1 after regular time and two 15‑minute extra‑time periods. The outcome was settled in a shoot‑out, where Paraguay's goalkeeper Fabián Balbuena saved Thomas Müller's decisive kick. With a 4‑3 score in the penalties, the Albirroja lifted the trophy over the four‑time champions and secured their place in the last‑16.

What does the holiday mean for the country?

On his X account, Peña wrote: "PARAGUAY NEVER GIVES UP! HOLIDAY, DAMN IT!" and posted the executive decree suspending work and school on Tuesday, June 30. The official text highlights that "Paraguay once again showed the world the living legend of the Guaraní grit". The measure aims to let every citizen celebrate the win that has united the nation under the Albirroja flag.

What’s next for the team?

Coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino is already preparing the next challenge: the round‑of‑16 match against the winner of the Brazil‑Argentina clash. While the exact opponent is still pending, Paraguay arrives with a recent run of 2 wins and 3 losses in its last five games (WWLLL), and a fresh 2‑1 victory over Mexico (2025‑11‑19) that shows its ability to beat regional rivals.

How did fans and media react?

Streets in Asunción filled with flags and chants; bars and plazas turned into celebration hubs. Local outlets like ABC Color and Última Hora gave the triumph front‑page coverage, while international press highlighted the "Guaraní grit" as a decisive factor. On social media, the hashtag #AlbirrojaInOctavos logged millions of interactions within hours.

What does this achievement mean for Paraguayan football history?

It’s the first time the national side has reached the last‑16 since the 2010 World Cup, and the only occasion it has eliminated a four‑time champion in the round of 16. President Peña, in a follow‑up message, thanked the players and fans, saying the win represents "the faith and strength of a people that never gives up". The Albirroja now carries the hopes of an entire nation into the quarter‑finals, hoping to repeat the 1998 feat.

Recent context

Paraguay’s latest official result was a 2‑1 win over Mexico on November 19, 2025, and its current form shows two consecutive wins within a five‑match stretch (WWLLL). This momentum has boosted the squad’s confidence ahead of the next World Cup challenge.