Asunción, Paraguay – September 6, 2025 – Paraguay erupted in nationwide celebration on Friday as President Santiago Peña declared a national holiday to honor the men’s national football team, La Albirroja, for securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance on the global stage in 16 years. The historic qualification, clinched with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Ecuador on Thursday, September 4, at Asunción’s Estadio Defensores del Chaco, marks Paraguay’s ninth World Cup appearance and has ignited a wave of national pride.
The draw was enough to secure the final automatic qualifying spot from South America for the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. “This is a dream come true for all Paraguayans,” President Peña said in a video posted on X, announcing the holiday. “Tomorrow is a holiday so all Paraguayans can celebrate together! We’re back at the World Cup!” Thousands of fans, draped in red and white, flooded the streets of Asunción, waving flags and singing in celebration of the team’s return after missing the last three tournaments.
Paraguay’s journey to qualification was far from certain. Just a year ago, the team faced the prospect of missing a fourth consecutive World Cup. The turnaround came under coach Gustavo Alfaro, appointed 13 months ago after a dismal group-stage exit at the 2024 Copa América. Alfaro’s leadership transformed the squad, yielding five wins, five draws, and only one loss—a 1-0 defeat to Brazil—while defeating powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Chile. “I don’t want to go to the World Cup just to participate,” Alfaro said. “I want to compete for the maximum. We have to grow in football and have a competitive edge.”
The qualification sparked emotional reactions across the nation. “There are kids who have never seen the Albirroja in a World Cup,” Peña noted, highlighting the significance for a new generation. Midfielder Matías Galarza, reflecting on the moment, said, “Sixteen years ago, I was at school watching Paraguay’s last World Cup game. I never expected to be part of this beautiful story.”
Paraguay’s last World Cup appearance was in 2010 in South Africa, where they reached the quarterfinals before losing to eventual champions Spain. Their return in 2026, alongside South American qualifiers Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and Ecuador, marks a proud milestone. Globally, 17 teams, including co-hosts USA, Canada, Mexico, and others like Morocco, Japan, and South Korea, have already secured their spots in the expanded 48-team tournament.
The decision to declare September 5 a national holiday, enabled by the newly enacted Law No. 7544, drew some criticism for being excessive, but the move was widely embraced as a tribute to the team’s “epic campaign.” Under Paraguayan labor law, employees working on the holiday were entitled to double pay, ensuring essential services like healthcare could continue.
As Paraguay prepares for its final qualifier against Peru on Tuesday, the nation’s focus is already shifting to 2026. With Alfaro’s ambition and a united fanbase, La Albirroja aims to make a mark on the world stage, proving that their return is more than a moment—it’s a movement.