Meet Merlin, the duck from Mexico City who has become the viral mascot of the World Cup

Mexico’s World Cup opener produced the result fans were hoping for. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez found the net as El Tri got off to a winning start against South Africa and celebrations spilled onto the streets of Mexico City.

Then Merlin came. Dressed in a Mexican jersey and tiny socks, the two-year-old duck was spotted waddling through the capital alongside cheering supporters. Videos of him calmly taking part in the celebrations quickly spread across social media, attracting millions of views and turning him into one of the most unexpected stars of the tournament.

The fans immediately embraced him. “We want to see Merlin in the stadium,” wrote one user. Another called him a “national treasure”. It didn’t take long for the duck to earn its own title: the unofficial mascot of the World Cup.

The attention may have come as a surprise to the rest of the world, but not to those familiar with Mexico City’s historic center.

TRENDING: Mexicans put a duck in a Mexico jersey at the World Cup and walk the streets like a human pic.twitter.com/xSsnI6ISDV— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) June 12, 2026

Merlin has been known there for years. Every weekend he accompanies his owner, Carla Gomez, who sells bottled water and soft drinks from a small cart. As she navigates the city’s bustling squares and landmarks, Merlin follows close behind, attracting smiles and curious looks from tourists and locals alike.

Whether it’s Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts, or the Zocalo, people often stop to say hello, take photos, or just watch him walk by.

“We don’t like to leave him at home alone. We like to have him with us,” Gomez said. “He’s our baby.

Merlin originally arrived as a gift for Gomez’s son Cristian. Over time, he became much more than a pet. Today, he is a constant companion and accompanies the family on daily routines and weekend trips.

“He’s a child, the sole heir to all my possessions and now an idol,” Gomez joked.

Despite his local popularity, nothing prepared the family for what happened after Mexico’s opening game. “Merlin has already made a name for itself selling bottled water,” Gomez said. “But we never imagined it would become such a sensation.

Viral fame came quickly. Earlier this week, Gomez and Merlin met with FIFA representatives to shoot promotional content and pose for photos, a remarkable turnaround for a duck better known for wandering around central Mexico City.

With Mexico hosting the World Cup for the third time along with Canada and the United States, Merlin has become an unlikely symbol of the excitement surrounding the tournament. In a competition full of the biggest football names, the duck managed to claim its own place.

“Mexico, we are with you,” Gomez said. “And Merlin is your number 1 fan.

For now, Mexico supporters can only hope that the team’s fortunes continue to rise. As for Merlin, he’s already had his World Cup moment – and judging by the reactions online, fans wouldn’t mind seeing a lot more of him.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

16 Jun 2026 10:08 IST