Paraguay Declares National Holiday After Historic World Cup Qualification

Sixteen years of waiting. One goalless draw. And a nation erupts in joy.

Paraguay has officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a gritty 0-0 draw against Ecuador — and the celebration was so massive, President Santiago Peña declared Friday a national holiday.

🎉 Streets Turn Red and White

Thousands of fans flooded Asunción, waving flags, singing, and lighting fireworks as La Albirroja clinched the final automatic South American qualifying spot. For many, it was more than football — it was a long-awaited return to the global stage.

“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,” Peña said.

🏆 A Long Road Back

Paraguay last appeared in the World Cup in 2010, where they reached the quarter-finals before falling to eventual champions Spain. Their 2026 campaign — hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada — will be their ninth World Cup appearance.

🇵🇾 Under Alfaro, A Revival

Coach Gustavo Alfaro took over just 13 months ago, and since then, Paraguay has stunned giants like Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. From near elimination to qualification, Alfaro’s squad has become a symbol of resilience.

“I don’t want to go to the World Cup just to participate,” Alfaro said. “I want to compete for the maximum”.