The result clinched the final automatic qualification slot for South America, prompting President Santiago Peña to declare an impromptu national holiday.

“Friday will be a day to honour the epic campaign that has inspired the entire nation,” Peña announced, as thousands of fans flooded the streets in jubilation.

While some critics called the holiday excessive, many citizens embraced the moment as a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

“There are kids who have never seen the Albirroja in a World Cup,” Peña noted. “There are Paraguayans who have waited a lifetime for this.”

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Paraguay last appeared in the tournament in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by eventual champions Spain.

Their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will mark the country’s ninth appearance at the tournament.

Source: Punch