Paraguay declares national holiday after stunning Germany to reach last 16

Paraguay's government immediately declared a national holiday after the country upset Germany to advance to the round of 16 at the 2026 North America World Cup.

Paraguay defeated Germany in a penalty shootout Tuesday at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts.

Matias Galarza gave Paraguay the lead with a header in the 42nd minute, but Kai Havertz equalized with a header of his own in the 54th minute.

Neither side scored in extra time, and Paraguay completed the upset by winning the shootout 4-3.

According to USA Today, President Santiago Peña made the holiday official on X after the round-of-16 berth was secured, writing: "Paraguay never gives up! It's a holiday, damn it!"

Paraguayan law allows the administration to designate up to three additional public holidays per year.

Peña had previously declared a holiday in September 2025 when the national team qualified for the World Cup for the first time since the 2010 South Africa tournament.

Paraguay will next face the winner of the France-Sweden match in the round of 16.