Paraguay Celebrates Historic World Cup Win Over Germany with National Holiday

Paraguay marked a historic moment as its national football team defeated Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout, 4-3, securing a place in the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. This victory came less than a month before Paraguay's second Independence Day since breaking away from Spain 215 years ago. The win sparked massive celebrations in the streets of Asuncion, with thousands gathering to honor the achievement.

President Santiago Peña declared Tuesday a national holiday to commemorate the triumph, utilizing a constitutional provision allowing the president to add up to three extra public holidays annually. This is the second such holiday declared recently, following Paraguay's qualification for the World Cup in September.

Goalkeeper Orlando Gill emerged as the hero of the match, saving two crucial penalties in the shootout. Gill, previously unknown before the tournament, dedicated the victory to the Paraguayan people, expressing deep emotion about the team's performance and the significance of eliminating a football powerhouse. Coach Gustavo Alfaro praised the team's resilience and credited the nation's unwavering support for their success.

Paraguay, which missed the last three World Cups, is now celebrating a breakthrough on the global stage, with the entire country united in pride and anticipation for the next round of the tournament.