Merlin the Duck Becomes Unofficial Mascot of 2026 World Cup in Mexico
Merlin, a two-year-old duck dressed in a Mexico jersey owned by street vendor Carla Gómez, became a viral sensation during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City. He paraded through the capital, was received by President Claudia Sheinbaum at her press conference, and attended Azteca Stadium grounds (though barred from matches by FIFA animal safety rules). The duck, already a local celebrity, sparked a trademark dispute won by Gómez. Sheinbaum pledged support for the family, calling Merlin a symbol of Mexican families.
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Merlin the Duck was allowed inside Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, but only to film a commercial
A 2-year-old duck named Merlin from Mexico City has had a remarkable rise to fame, going from a street vendor's sidekick to a guest at the presidential palace, and now facing a trademark dispute. The duck was recently allowed inside Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, but only to film a commercial. The story highlights the unusual legal and public attention surrounding the animal, as it becomes a symbol of local culture and viral internet fame. The article, published by Fortune on June 25, 2026, details how Merlin's owner has become embroiled in a legal battle over the duck's name and image rights, reflecting broader trends in intellectual property and celebrity culture.
Fortune | FORTUNEMerlin the duck barred from Mexico World Cup match due to FIFA rules
Merlin the duck, a two-year-old duck who became a viral sensation at the 2026 World Cup, was brought to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium before Mexico's match against the Czech Republic but was denied entry to the match itself due to FIFA regulations that prohibit animals inside venues for their safety. The duck, who wears a green Mexico jersey and accompanies street vendor Carla Gómez and her son, had previously visited the presidential palace, television studios, and the fan fest. A trademark dispute over Merlin's name was resolved in Gómez's favor. Fans consider the duck a lucky charm for the Mexican national team.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Merlin the Duck Barred from World Cup Stadium by FIFA Regulations
Merlín the duck, a two-year-old viral sensation in Mexico City during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was allowed onto the grounds of Azteca Stadium before Mexico's match against the Czech Republic but was prohibited from spectating due to FIFA rules barring animals from venues for their safety. Accompanied by owner Carla Gómez and her son, Merlín filmed a segment with Televisa but could not stay for the game. The duck, which wears a Mexico jersey and works with Gómez at her street vending stall, has become an unofficial mascot for the national team, visiting the presidential palace, Netflix, and fan festivals. A trademark dispute over his name was resolved in Gómez's favor. Gómez expressed gratitude and deemed Merlín a lucky charm for Mexico's team.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.2026 World Cup: Viral Duck Merlin Received by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
Merlin, a duck that became a viral sensation as the unofficial mascot of the 2026 World Cup, was received by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday. The duck, dressed in a Mexico jersey, became popular through videos showing it among fans alongside its owner, a street vendor. Faced with its unexpected fame, Mexican authorities plan to assist Merlin's owner in protecting and promoting the duck's image. Merlin, now nickamed an unofficial 'ambassador' of the competition, could continue to accompany the Mexican team, which has already qualified for the Round of 16 after defeating South Korea.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot Transfert2026 World Cup: Duck Merlin, Unofficial Mascot of Mexico, Received by President Claudia Sheinbaum
Merlin, a duck dressed in a Mexican national team jersey, has become an unofficial mascot for the 2026 World Cup. The duck's fame grew after videos showed it walking among fans under the watchful eye of its owner, street vendor Karla Ivette Gómez. Merlin was recently named a 'FIFA ambassador.' On Monday, June 22, 2026, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum received Merlin at her daily press conference, pledging to help translate the duck's fame into an improved quality of life for the owner. The meeting took place after Mexico qualified for the round of 16 following a 1-0 victory over South Korea. The event highlights the unique cultural phenomenon surrounding the duck ahead of the World Cup.
Home Football - actualitésMerlin the duck unruffled after meeting president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum
Merlin, a pet duck wearing a miniature Mexico shirt who became a viral sensation and an unofficial mascot of the 2026 World Cup, met Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum during her regular morning press conference on Monday. The duck waddled onto the stage, sat where ministers usually sit, and quacked calmly. Owner Karla Gómez expressed honor at the meeting and hopes to trademark Merlin to support her family, especially her eldest son who has a mental illness. Sheinbaum praised Merlin as a symbol of Mexican families and pledged assistance to the family without detailing specifics. Merlin, aged two, originally a gift from a customer, is known for wearing shoes to protect his webbed feet and enjoying a Sunday pork taco.
Football | The GuardianDuck dressed in Mexico World Cup jersey becomes viral sensation
A two-year-old duck named Merlin, dressed in a Mexico national team jersey and socks, became an internet sensation after images of him parading through Mexico City during celebrations of Mexico's World Cup-opening victory over South Africa went viral. Merlin, who accompanies his owner Carla Gómez and her son Cristian as they sell water and soft drinks from a cart on weekends, was already a local celebrity at fairs and events in the historic city center. The duck, originally a gift for Cristian, is described as the family's 'baby' and 'sole heir.' Social media users hailed Merlin as a 'national treasure' and the tournament's first unofficial mascot. The family hopes Merlin can bring luck to Mexico, which is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and the United States.
Football | The Guardian