Reuters/Paul Rutherford
A video of prisoners and guards in a Paraguay jail celebrating the country’s World Cup win over Germany together has gone viral on social media. Paraguay defeated the four-time World Cup champions via penalties in the Round of 32 on Monday.
A video showing prisoners and prison guards celebrating together following Paraguay’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Germany in the Round of 32, which sent the South American nation to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, has gone massively viral on social media.
A video showing prisoners and guards in a Paraguay jail celebrating their World Cup win over Germany has gone viral on social media
En una comisaría de Paraguay estaban viendo el mundial
Y cuando le ganaron a alemania se pusieron a festejar los policías y los presos juntos KJJ pic.twitter.com/nuQxUp0uCB— ElBuni (@therealbuni) June 30, 2026
Os POLICIAIS e os PRESOS comemorando juntos a classificação do Paraguai.
Isso aqui pra mim é o verdadeiro significado de copa do mundo. Absurdo. pic.twitter.com/ImZzlum6ZU
— memes futebolisticos. – vito (@Mfutebolisticos) June 30, 2026
Paraguay took the lead over Germany in the 42nd minute thanks to a goal from Julio Enciso. Germany leveled early in the second half through Kai Havertz and eventually the game went to extra time and then penalties. During the penalty shootout, Paraguay won 4-3.
After the win, Paraguay president Santiago Peña released a statement declaring that Tuesday would be a national holiday to celebrate the win over Germany.
“The national team’s qualification restores Paraguay to a prominent place in world football. It is proof that teamwork, discipline, sacrifice, and conviction make it possible to achieve extraordinary goals. Today, the Albirroja celebrates. Today, all of Paraguay celebrates!” Peña’s statement said in part.
With the win over Germany, Paraguay will face off against France — the team that’s looking like the favorites to win the 2026 World Cup — in the Round of 16 on Saturday, July 4. A win over France would see Paraguay advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time.