Paraguayan President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday after the country’s national football team achieved one of the most stunning results in FIFA World Cup 2026, eliminating four-time champions Germany and securing a place in the round of 16.On a night already etched in Paraguayan sports folklore, the South American side did not have the guts to win 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their round of 16 clash. The result marked Germany’s earliest exit from the World Cup on penalties, adding extra weight to a dramatic contest defined by tension, controversy and high-stakes drama.Peña immediately reacted on social media platform X, capturing the euphoria that swept the nation.“PARAGUAY NEVER GIVE UP! PROVART HOLIDAY!!” he announced in Spanish: “¡PARAGUAY NUNCA SE BARK! ¡¡FERIADO CARAJO!!”The declaration of a national holiday followed soon after, underscoring the magnitude of Paraguay’s achievement against one of the world’s traditional football powers.
VAR controversies and penalty shootout dramas shape historic turnaround
The match itself was filled with twists and turns that changed the momentum multiple times. Germany believed they had sealed victory in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner in the 101st minute. However, the celebrations were cut short shortly after a VAR review disallowed the goal for a build-up offence, a decision that proved crucial in sending the game to penalties.Paraguay seized the opportunity, keeping their composure in a shootout in which Germany missed three spot kicks. The decisive moment came when Paraguay converted their last-ditch effort to seal a 4-3 win and spark wild celebrations on and off the pitch.The victory also caused reactions across the continent. Chilean President José Antonio Kast congratulated Paraguay on social media, stressing the importance of another South American nation advancing to the knockout stage.“We arrived in Asunción and took the opportunity to watch the emotional penalty shootout between Germany and Paraguay. A great victory that puts another Latin American team in the round of 16 of the World Cup. Congratulations, Paraguay!” he wrote.
One of the biggest shocks in the tournament
Paraguay’s triumph is one of the most significant upsets in the modern history of the World Cup. Entering the game ranked 41st in the FIFA rankings compared to Germany’s 10th, the 31-place difference lends statistical weight to an already dramatic result.Since 1994, only a handful of knockout defeats have had a bigger difference in the standings, putting the Paraguayan achievement alongside some of football’s most famous shocks.
