A domesticated duck named Merlin, dressed in a miniature Mexico shirt and custom duck socks, has waddled into the hearts of football fans and emerged as an unlikely unofficial mascot for the country’s World Cup campaign.
Merlin’s rise to fame began during street celebrations after the co-hosts’ 2-0 victory over South Africa in last week’s World Cup opener.
As supporters poured into the streets to celebrate Mexico’s goals, the well-dressed duck moved through crowds along Mexico City’s busy Reforma Avenue.
Onlookers captured the unexpected moment on their phones, and the footage quickly went viral, with fans soon calling for Merlin to be made Mexico’s official World Cup mascot.
People pose with Merlin, a duck wearing a Mexico national football team ('El Tri') jersey, that shot to fame after a chance encounter on Reforma Avenue, went viral following the FIFA 2026 match between Mexico and South Africa, walks in Chinatown, Mexico City, Mexico, June 16, 2026. (AA Photo)
