The president of Paraguay, Santiago Pena, has proclaimed a national holiday the day after the historic victory against Germany in the round of sixteen of the FIFA World Cup. "Today an entire country celebrates," the leader wrote on X. "We celebrate the victory of a team that represents the deepest part of our identity: the grit, faith, and strength of a people who never give up."
Paraguay eliminated the four-time world champions on penalties 4-3, after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time, marking the biggest surprise so far since the start of the competition. The text of the official decree, circulated on social media channels, states that "the government cannot remain indifferent to this enormous achievement" and that "it is necessary to facilitate the participation of all Paraguayans in this historic day of celebration." Paraguay thus becomes the second South American country to declare a public holiday after a surprise triumph against the Germans. Before Asunción, it was Ecuador's turn, which had made an identical decision after their victory in the last round of the group stage, decisive for a historic qualification to the round of sixteen.
