Paraguay has declared a national holiday to mark their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – their first in 16 years.
The South Americans booked their place after a 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Asunción secured the sixth and final automatic spot in the South American qualifying group. It ends a long absence from the global stage, stretching back to South Africa 2010.
President Santiago Peña announced Friday as a public holiday, praising the national team for delivering a moment of unity and pride.
“This is a dream come true for all Paraguayans,” Peña wrote on social media. “Tomorrow is a holiday so that everyone can celebrate together. We are back at the World Cup!”
Thousands of fans poured into the streets of the capital after the final whistle, waving flags, singing and lighting fireworks in scenes of jubilation.
Photo Credit: The Asunción Times
According to Article 217 of the Paraguayan Labour Code, public holidays are mandatory rest days for workers. However, in sectors where continuous service is vital especially healthcare employers may call upon employees to work.
In such cases, workers must receive double pay for the hours worked, one payment corresponding to the normal wage and another of equal value as compensation for working on a holiday. This must occur under specific conditions, which are not detailed in the original article.
Paraguay’s forward #19 Gabriel Avalos celebrates after the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Paraguay and Ecuador at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion. (Photo by AFP)
Paraguay last appeared at the tournament in 2010, where they reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual champions Spain. Since then, they have struggled to qualify, missing three successive editions in Brazil, Russia and Qatar.
Their qualification for 2026 comes as part of a wider shake-up in South American football, with six teams now progressing automatically under the expanded format.
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The turnaround has been driven by coach Gustavo Alfaro, who was appointed just over a year ago following a disappointing Copa América campaign.
Paraguay and Ecuador at the Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion. (Photo by AFP)
Paraguay had won only once in their opening six qualifiers before Alfaro’s arrival. Since then, they have recorded five wins, five draws and only one defeat, a loss to Brazil in June.
“I don’t want to go to the World Cup just to participate,” Alfaro said. “I want us to go and compete for the maximum. To do that, we need to keep growing in football.”
Paraguay join Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador and Colombia in securing direct passage to the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru and Chile remain outside the automatic spots.
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La Albirroja close their campaign with a trip to Peru next week, but with qualification already sealed, celebrations are likely to continue well beyond the final whistle.
