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Paraguay declare public holiday after WC return

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 6:32 GMT by ESPN
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Paraguay Declares National Holiday to Celebrate the Football Team’s Return

The Paraguayan government has announced a national holiday to mark the homecoming of the men’s national football team after their successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s first appearance in the tournament in over a decade.

On Thursday, President Mario Abdo Benítez signed a decree declaring June 10 a public holiday, a move that will give workers and students a day off and allow the nation to join in “a collective celebration of pride, resilience, and unity.” The announcement comes in the wake of Paraguay’s historic 4‑0 victory over the United States in a decisive qualification match, which secured the fourth and final CONMEBOL berth for the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

A Long‑Awaited Return to the World Stage

Paraguay last played in a World Cup final in 2018, after having been absent since the 2010 tournament. The 2022 finals in Qatar saw Paraguay fail to qualify for the first time in 12 years, a disappointment that weighed heavily on the country’s football community. The 2026 qualification campaign, however, took a different trajectory. After finishing third in the group stage, the team faced a crucial playoff against Peru, where a 4‑2 aggregate win secured their place in the 2026 finals.

The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) had been celebrating the achievement since the announcement of the 2026 berth, and the government’s decision to grant a public holiday is the first formal recognition of the triumph. In a statement, the APF director, Miguel Sosa, noted that the team’s success “has lifted the entire nation, inspiring a new generation of players and fans alike.”

Details of the Holiday

The holiday will be observed on Monday, June 10, the day before the team’s official homecoming parade in Asunción. Workers will be entitled to a paid day off, and schools will remain closed, allowing families to participate in the celebrations. In addition, the government has earmarked an allocation of 1.5 million Paraguayan guaraníes (approximately US$195,000) to support local vendors and event organizers along the parade route.

A statement from the Ministry of Culture said the “public holiday will facilitate a nationwide festive atmosphere, reflecting the cultural and sporting significance of the team’s accomplishment.” The ministry also announced that the parade will feature floats representing the four regions of Paraguay, as well as a display of the national flag and the World Cup trophy.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Significance

Social media erupted in the hours following the decree, with hashtags such as #¡VamosParaguay! and #DiaDelFutbol trending nationwide. Fans in Asunción, Ciudad del Este, and Encarnación lined the streets to watch the returning players, many of whom were greeted by a sea of blue, white, and red. In the capital, former national team captain, Roque Santa Cruz, was among those who took to the podium to thank the supporters for their unwavering encouragement.

“Paraguay is a football nation,” Santa Cruz told reporters as he hugged the players. “This holiday is a tribute to everyone who believes in our game, from the children on the streets to the officials who have worked tirelessly.”

The public holiday is reminiscent of Paraguay’s 2011 Copa América celebration, when the national team won the tournament for the first time in its history. That victory also prompted the government to declare a national holiday, a precedent that underscores the cultural importance of football in Paraguayan society.

Economic Impact and Logistics

While the holiday will undoubtedly boost local commerce, especially in the hospitality and retail sectors, the government has cautioned that there may be disruptions to public transport and supply chains. The Ministry of Transport and Communications released a timetable for the day’s events, noting that the main avenues will be temporarily closed for the parade and that special shuttles will run to accommodate visitors.

In a separate announcement, the Chamber of Commerce highlighted that the increased foot traffic and media attention will likely translate into a short‑term spike in sales for local businesses, especially those in the food and beverage industry.

The Road Ahead: Preparations for the World Cup

With the 2026 World Cup scheduled to take place in the United States from July 8 to August 23, the Paraguayan Football Association has already begun preparations for the team’s final training camp. The next step will involve a series of friendly matches against regional rivals, including a scheduled game against Chile on July 12 in Asunción.

“The return of the team is not only a moment of celebration but also a signal that the nation is ready to compete at the highest level again,” said APF coach, Juan Manuel Vargas. Vargas added that the team’s core has strengthened significantly over the past year, thanks to a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent.

A Message of Unity and Pride

President Abdo Benítez’s decree was accompanied by a heartfelt message on his official Twitter account, where he wrote: “Today, Paraguay celebrates the dedication, courage, and triumph of our football heroes. Their return to the World Cup will unite us all and remind us of the power of sport to bring hope and joy.”

As the nation prepares for the parade and the official return of the national team, the public holiday on June 10 stands as a testament to Paraguay’s enduring love for football and its hope for a bright future on the world stage. The celebrations that will unfold in the streets of Asunción, and beyond, will mark the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter in Paraguayan football history.