Late Thursday, as thousands of Albirroja supporters celebrated a 0-0 tie with Ecuador that guaranteed Paraguay the final automatic South American qualifying slot, President Santiago Pena announced the holiday.

Pena declared Friday would be devoted to honoring “the epic campaign that has inspired the entire nation,” despite criticism that a national holiday was excessive.

Kids have never saw the Albirroja play in a World Cup. Pena stated, “There are Paraguayans who have waited their entire lives to relive this moment.”

The last time Paraguay played was in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where eventual winners Spain eliminated them in the quarterfinals.

Paraguay will be competing in their ninth World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.