Few people dared to say it out loud before kick-off. Germany was among the tournament favourites, while Paraguay was widely expected to fall short. Yet beneath the cautious predictions and daunting statistics was one thing that could not be measured: belief. On 29 June 2026, La Albirroja made history, reaching the Round of 16 for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The Asunción Times was right there in the beating heart of downtown Asunción, surrounded by the electric mix of raw tension and uncontainable joy that had taken over the city. This was the night Asunción believed.
A country that never stopped believing
Hours before the match began, red-and-white shirts filled bars, restaurants, and living rooms across Asunción. Friends gathered around television screens, families organised watch parties, and conversations all revolved around the same question: What if this is our night? It was not blind confidence. That feeling was the quiet hope that has long accompanied Paraguayan football supporters whenever the Albirroja takes to the pitch: the belief that no matter how strong the opposition may be, this team will fight until the very end.
When Julio Enciso gave Paraguay the lead in the first half, the city erupted. Cheers echoed through neighbourhoods, car horns rang out in celebration, and complete strangers embraced as though they had known one another for years. In almost every neighbourhood in Asunción, the reaction was the same: horns blaring, oversized speakers playing music, and flags of every imaginable size waving from balconies, windows, and streets. For a moment, the impossible suddenly felt within reach.
Germany’s equaliser in the second half brought everyone back down to earth. Every attack from the European giants was met with anxious silence, while every Paraguayan clearance earned applause. Nobody wanted to celebrate too early.
The penalties that brought the country to a standstill
Then came the penalty shoot-out. Within seconds, the noise disappeared. Across Asunción, people stood frozen in front of television screens. In bars, conversations stopped completely. Some supporters clasped their hands together in prayer before every penalty. Others closed their eyes, unable to watch. Many simply held on to family members or friends, hoping for one more save, one more chance.
With every stop made by Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill, belief grew stronger. When José Canale converted the decisive penalty, more than two hours of tension gave way to an explosion of emotion. Thousands poured into the streets waving Paraguayan flags, and the celebrations quickly took over the night. Car horns filled the air once again, chants of “¡Paraguay, Paraguay!” echoed throughout the capital, and social media was instantly flooded with videos of car parades and celebrations across the city.
The scale of the celebration was so large that the following day was declared a national holiday by Paraguayan President Santiago Peña. Well into the night, even hours after the final whistle, people continued to leave their homes and gather in the streets, especially downtown, to celebrate and shout in joy. The afternoon and night were defined by collective happiness, shared across the entire city.
The spirit of the Garra Guaraní in the night Asunción believed
More than anything, the victory reflected what Paraguayans proudly call the Garra Guaraní (Guaraní Claw). The match was not simply about winning. It was about refusing to surrender, continuing to fight when the odds appear overwhelming, and matching even the strongest opponents with determination and resilience. The Garra Guaraní is a spirit that has become part of Paraguay’s football identity over generations.
For 120 minutes, The Albirroja embodied that spirit. Every loose ball was contested, every tackle mattered, and every challenge was met with unwavering determination. Even after Germany equalised and the match stretched into extra time, Paraguay refused to lose faith. That resilience was mirrored in the stands and in homes across the country. The supporters never stopped believing either.
A night Paraguay will never forget
Perhaps that is why the victory felt so significant. Not only did Paraguay eliminate one of football’s greatest nations, but it also proved that belief, resilience, and unity can stand alongside talent on the world’s biggest stage. For one unforgettable evening, Asunción became a city united by hope. From the first whistle until the final penalty, an entire nation believed together, celebrated together, and reminded the world why the Garra Guaraní remains one of Paraguay’s defining symbols.
After the night Asunción believed, and with a place in the next round secured, the dream lives on. Paraguay will face its Round of 16 opponent on 4 July, keeping hopes alive for another historic night. Whatever happens next, the victory over Germany will be remembered as the night Paraguay refused to give up and was rewarded for believing until the very last kick.
