Paraguay declares national holiday after team's shock World Cup victory over Germany

Paraguay's President Santiago Pena has declared a national holiday to celebrate the country's stunning World Cup victory over Germany, a result that propelled the South American nation into the tournament's round of 16.

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Today, an entire country celebrates.

The Paraguayan team achieved one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by defeating the four-time champions, Germany, 4-3 on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw that extended into extra time. The dramatic win on Monday has sparked widespread celebration across Paraguay.

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It celebrates the victory of a team that represents the deepest part of our identity: the grit, the faith, and the strength of people who never give up.

President Pena shared his elation on X, formerly Twitter, posting a picture of himself signing the decree for the holiday. He described the victory as a moment where "an entire country celebrates." Pena emphasized that the team's triumph embodies the "deepest part of our identity: the grit, the faith, and the strength of people who never give up."

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The government cannot remain indifferent to this tremendous achievement.

The official decree stated that Paraguay's achievement transcended sport, justifying a nationwide celebration and acknowledging that "the government cannot remain indifferent to this tremendous achievement." This declaration follows a similar move by Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa, who also announced a national holiday after his country's surprising World Cup win against Germany.

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It is necessary to facilitate the gathering of all Paraguayans in celebration of this historic day.