Paraguay erupted by presidential decree after expelling Germany

On a night when Paraguay made history in tears and joy after advancing to the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at the expense of Germany, the celebrations didn’t stop at the stadium… but rather reached the presidential palace.

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday on Tuesday after his country’s national team knocked the German giants out of the 2026 World Cup in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

The Paraguayan national team experienced an unforgettable night yesterday, Monday, leaving the German national team out of the 32nd round of the World Cup, winning 5-4 on penalties. The dramatic showdown broke a historic knot as Manchester United had never previously lost on penalties at the World Cup… until Paraguay came along.

The match witnessed steely nerves for the Paraguayans, who were in control despite conceding two shots that could have decided the encounter early on, before they sealed the qualification spot to the astonishment of the world.

As soon as the final whistle blew, the streets of Asuncion erupted with joy. Thousands of people came out in hour-long motorcades singing patriotic songs and overwhelming the festive atmosphere that enveloped the country.

The government did not stand by and watch the scene. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña issued a presidential decree declaring Tuesday a national holiday to celebrate the achievement.

Peña wrote on the “X” platform. “Today a whole nation is celebrating… It is a victory that embodies the determination, faith and strength of a nation that does not know how to give up.”

The decree affirms that the victory “goes beyond the sports dimension and deserves a nationwide celebration”, stressing that the government “cannot stand aside and watch this achievement, but the people must be given the opportunity to celebrate this historic day together”.

Paraguay now faces a bigger challenge. If the contenders for the title of champion France can beat Sweden next Tuesday, then the next confrontation will be between the Latin team and the “roosters” in the 1/8 finals.