Paraguay turned Friday into a surprise national holiday after its soccer team secured a place in the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years.
The South American nation earned the spot after playing to a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, a result that guaranteed them the last direct qualifying place available for teams from South America.
The announcement came late Thursday night from President Santiago Peña. He explained that the holiday was meant to honor the team’s hard work and dedication throughout the long qualifying journey. The president said the players’ efforts had inspired pride and joy across the entire country. Soon after the match ended, thousands of Paraguayans, dressed in their red and white jerseys, filled the streets with songs, flags, and celebrations.
Not everyone agreed with the idea of declaring a holiday, with some people saying it was an unnecessary step. Still, President Peña emphasized the importance of the moment. He reminded the nation that many young Paraguayans have never had the chance to see their team play in a World Cup, while older generations had been waiting years to experience the excitement again.
Paraguay last appeared in the World Cup in 2010, when the tournament was held in South Africa. That year, they made an impressive run, reaching the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Spain, who eventually went on to win the championship.
Now, Paraguay will return to the global stage in 2026, when the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This will be Paraguay’s ninth appearance at a World Cup, marking a proud milestone in the country’s football history.
