Merlin the Duck Meets Mexico's President After Going Viral at 2026 World Cup
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 22
Merlin the Duck Meets Mexico's President After Going Viral at 2026 World Cup
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 22
Summary
Claudia Sheinbaum brought Merlin the duck onto the stage at her Monday morning press conference, where the viral pet in a mini Mexico shirt briefly took a seat usually reserved for officials.
The invitation followed Merlin's rise as an unofficial 2026 World Cup mascot after Mexico's 2-0 opening win over South Africa on June 11, when he was filmed wandering through celebrations on Reforma avenue.
Karla Gómez, Merlin's owner, said the family hopes to trademark the duck's image and use the attention to help support her eldest son, who has a mental illness.
Sheinbaum said Merlin's family will receive assistance, casting the 2-year-old duck as a symbol of Mexican families and of the image Mexico is showing the world during the tournament.