Paraguay provided arguably the biggest surprise of the 2026 World Cup so far.
In a dramatic round of 16 match, the South Americans prevailed against Germany in a penalty shootout (for the highlights>>>) and thus celebrated only their second victory in a World Cup knockout match in the country's history.
"Paraguay Never Gives Up"
The joy in the country was accordingly great – and so was the reward from Paraguay's President Santiago Peña. He promptly declared the day after the sensational victory over the German national football team a national holiday.
"Paraguay never gives up! Holiday, damn it!", Peña wrote on "X" on Monday after the 4:3 penalty shootout win against the DFB team. Shortly thereafter, he signed the corresponding decree.
It was not the first time that President Santiago Peña rewarded a sporting success with a public holiday: After the successful World Cup qualification in September 2025, he had already declared the following day a national holiday.
