Meet Merlin: The Viral Duck Who Became the Unofficial Mascot of the FIFA World Cup 2026

Merlin, a pet duck dressed in a miniature Mexico national team jersey, has become one of the most unexpected stars of the World Cup 2026, capturing the hearts of football fans around the globe.

The feathered sensation first went viral after Mexico’s opening 2-0 victory over South Africa, when videos of Merlin waddling through jubilant crowds in Mexico City spread rapidly across social media. Since then, the two-year-old duck has become an unofficial mascot of the tournament, earning millions of views online and attracting international media attention.  

Merlin’s popularity reached new heights when he received a special invitation to meet Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace during one of her daily press briefings.

In a memorable moment, Merlin sat alongside government officials before letting out a few loud quacks, stealing the spotlight from everyone in attendance. President Sheinbaum described the duck as a symbol of Mexican families and the country’s vibrant spirit during the World Cup.  

Merlin belongs to Karla Gómez, a street vendor in Mexico City, who said the duck’s incredible rise to fame has transformed her family’s life.

“We feel honoured to be here with the president. It is an honour for the whole world to see the beautiful side of Mexico,” Gómez said during the visit.  

Beyond his celebrity status, Merlin’s newfound fame could also provide long-term benefits for his family. Gómez is reportedly seeking to register Merlin as a trademark, while President Sheinbaum has pledged to support the family following the duck’s extraordinary popularity.  

Merlin has become a regular feature at World Cup-related events, often wearing his custom-made Mexico jersey and FIFA-themed accessories while posing for photographs with supporters.

Ironically, despite becoming one of the tournament’s biggest fan favourites, Merlin was later barred from attending Mexico’s group-stage match against Czechia after FIFA enforced regulations prohibiting animals inside stadiums for welfare and safety reasons. Nevertheless, the duck’s absence did little to diminish his popularity among supporters.  

While football’s biggest stars continue battling for World Cup glory, Merlin has proven that sometimes the tournament’s most unforgettable story can come from an unlikely hero with feathers instead of football boots.