Paraguay declares national holiday after shock win over Germany; Netherlands also exit on penalties
Paraguay national holiday declared after shock World Cup penalty win over Germany; Netherlands also eliminated on penalties, ending their title hopes early.
Paraguay stunned Germany in a dramatic penalty shootout on June 29, 2026, a result that prompted President Santiago Peña to declare Tuesday, June 30, 2026, a national holiday to allow the country to celebrate.
The result ended Germany’s campaign at the World Cup and amplified jubilation across Paraguay, where fans poured into the streets after the qualification to the round of 16. (thestar.com.my)
Paraguay shocks Germany in World Cup penalty shootout
Paraguay advanced to the round of 16 after a tightly contested match that remained level through 120 minutes and was ultimately decided by penalties.
Goalkeeping heroics and composed spot-kicks under pressure enabled the South American side to prevail in the shootout, marking one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. (as.com)
President Santiago Peña orders national holiday for June 30
The Paraguayan presidency formalized a one-day public holiday for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, citing the historic nature of the victory and the desire to let citizens celebrate together.
The decree referenced national law granting the executive authority to declare special holidays in exceptional circumstances. (baselegal.com.py)
Germany eliminated after dramatic shootout
Germany’s national team — the DFB side — exited the World Cup after failing to convert the decisive penalty sequence, a result that will prompt immediate scrutiny of coaching and squad decisions.
The loss ended a campaign that had carried high expectations and leaves Germany out of the tournament at the round-of-32 stage. (as.com)
Netherlands suffer similar fate in penalty drama
The Netherlands also saw their tournament hopes ended by a penalty shootout on June 29, 2026, losing to Morocco after a 1-1 draw and a 3-2 shootout result.
That elimination leaves two prominent European teams sent home in the same phase of the competition, both undone by the lottery of penalties. (aljazeera.com)
Celebrations erupt across Asunción and beyond
Scenes of jubilation unfolded in Asunción with thousands gathering at major squares and outside the national stadium, waving flags and honking horns late into the night.
Officials and club leaders joined chants and processions as television images showed fans embracing and singing in the capital and in provincial towns. (abc.com.py)
Implications for the rest of the tournament
Paraguay’s progression reshapes the draw in the round of 16 and hands their next opponent the task of containing a team buoyed by confidence and public support.
Meanwhile, the early exits of Germany and the Netherlands raise fresh questions for each federation about preparation, squad depth and future managerial strategy.
Paraguay’s unexpected triumph, the presidential holiday decree and the twin penalty exits for two European heavyweights underline how quickly tournament narratives can shift in a single night of knockout football.
