Paraguay Declares National Holiday After Historic 2026 World Cup Qualification

Paraguay Declares National Holiday After Historic 2026 World Cup Qualification

Paraguay erupted in celebration on Friday after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in 16 years. The South American nation clinched the final automatic spot with a goalless draw against Ecuador, sparking nationwide jubilation.

President Santiago Pena declared Friday a national holiday in honour of the achievement, following the late-night celebrations that swept across Asuncion and beyond.

In his announcement, Pena said the day would be dedicated to paying “homage to the epic campaign that has inspired the entire nation,” though some critics argued that a public holiday was an excessive gesture.

Paraguay last featured in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they advanced to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by eventual champions Spain.

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Their return in 2026 — with the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada — will mark Paraguay’s ninth appearance at the global football showpiece.

“There are kids who have never seen the Albirroja in a World Cup. There are Paraguayans who have waited a lifetime to experience this moment again,” said Pena.

With the qualification sealed, Paraguay’s fans and players are already looking forward to reliving their nation’s rich World Cup history on football’s grandest stage.