The president of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, has declared a national holiday after the country’s soccer team produced one of the country’s most stunning results. FIFA World Cup 2026, eliminating four-time champions Germany to book a place in the Round of 16.In a night already etched in Paraguayan sporting folklore, the South American team held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their last 32 match. The result marked Germany’s first World Cup exit via a penalty shootout, adding more weight to a dramatic contest defined by tension, controversy and high drama.Peña reacted instantly on the X social platform, capturing the euphoria sweeping the nation.“PARAGUAY NEVER GIVE UP! DO DAMMIT!!” posted in Spanish: “¡PARAGUAY NEVER GIVE UP! ¡¡FERIADO CARAJO!!”The announcement of a national holiday followed soon after, underlining the magnitude of Paraguay’s success against one of the traditional powers of world football.
The VAR controversy and the penalty drama form a historic clash
The match itself was full of twists and turns that changed the momentum repeatedly. 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 after a VAR review disallowed the goal for a foul in the build-up, a decision that was decisive in sending the match to penalties.Paraguay capitalized on the opportunity, keeping their composure in a shootout where Germany fell short by three points. The decisive moment came as Paraguay converted their last attempt to seal a 4-3 win and spark wild celebrations on and off the pitch.The victory also drew reactions from across the continent. Chile president José Antonio Kast congratulated Paraguay on social media, highlighting the importance of another South American nation advancing to the knockout stages.“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 in the World Cup. Congratulations, Paraguay! he wrote
One of the biggest shocks of the tournament
The triumph of Paraguay is one of the most remarkable matches in the modern history of the World Cup. Entering the match ranked 41st in the FIFA rankings compared to Germany’s 10th, the 31-place gap adds statistical weight to an already dramatic result.Since 1994, only a handful of knockout defeats have featured a bigger ranking disparity, putting Paraguay’s success alongside some of football’s most famous shocks.
