Paraguay President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday after the country’s football team produced one of the most stunning results of the FIFA World Cup 2026, eliminating four-time champions Germany to book a place in the Round of 16.In a night already etched into Paraguayan sporting folklore, the South American side held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in their Round of 32 clash. The result marked Germany’s earliest-ever World Cup exit via a penalty shootout, adding further weight to a dramatic contest defined by tension, controversy and high-stakes drama.Peña reacted instantly on social media platform X, capturing the euphoria sweeping the nation.“PARAGUAY NEVER GIVES UP! HOLIDAY DAMMIT!!” he posted in Spanish: “¡PARAGUAY NUNCA SE RINDE! ¡¡FERIADO CARAJO!!”The announcement of a national holiday followed soon after, underlining the magnitude of Paraguay’s achievement against one of world football’s traditional powerhouses.
VAR controversy and penalty drama shape historic upset
The match itself was filled with twists that swung momentum repeatedly. Germany believed they had sealed victory in extra time when Jonathan Tah headed home from a corner in the 101st minute. However, celebrations were cut short after a VAR review overturned the goal for a foul in the build-up, a decision that proved decisive in sending the match to penalties.Paraguay capitalised on the opportunity, holding their composure in a shootout where Germany missed three spot-kicks. The decisive moment came as Paraguay converted their final 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 significance of another South American nation advancing to the knockout stages.“We arrived in Asunción and took the chance to watch the emotional penalty shootout between Germany and Paraguay. A great victory that puts another Latin American team in the round of 16 at the World Cup. Congratulations, Paraguay!” he wrote.
One of the tournament’s biggest shocks
Paraguay’s triumph ranks among the most remarkable upsets in modern World Cup history. Entering the match ranked 41st in the FIFA standings 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 larger ranking disparity, placing Paraguay’s achievement alongside some of football’s most famous shocks.
