Paraguay stun four-time champions Germany on penalties to spark national holiday

Paraguay eliminated Germany from the 2026 World Cup in a stunning last-32 upset, winning a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw to send the four-time world champions home — and prompting president Santiago Pena to declare a national holiday for Tuesday, 30 June.

Julio Enciso headed Paraguay in front in the first half before Kai Havertz equalised after the break. Germany appeared to have snatched victory in extra time through a Jonathan Tah header, but the goal was ruled out following a controversial VAR review, forcing the tie to penalties.

Paraguay twice squandered the chance to close out the shootout before Jose Canale sent Manuel Neuer the wrong way with the decisive kick, completing one of the tournament’s most dramatic results. It was Germany’s first-ever defeat in a World Cup penalty shootout.

Pena, who had already declared a public holiday last September when Paraguay qualified for their first World Cup since 2010, wasted no time marking the occasion. Posting on X, he wrote: “Paraguay never gives up! Public holiday, damn it!”

Under Paraguayan law, the executive branch is permitted to declare up to three additional public holidays per year.

Paraguay had reached the knockouts as one of the best-placed third-place finishers in the group stage. They will now face either France or Sweden in the last-16 in Philadelphia on Saturday.