national phenomenon

The unofficial 2026 FIFA World Cup mascot is a Mexican duck: Here’s what this means

Dressed in a green Mexico national team jersey and FIFA-themed accessories, Merlin quickly became the center of attention

JUNE 23, 2026 3:35 PM EDTJUN 23, 2026, 3:35 PM EDT

Merlin the Duck, the feathered fan favorite who captured the hearts of football supporters across Mexico, made a high-profile appearance at the National Palace during a special event celebrating the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The two-year-old duck attended President Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning briefing alongside his owners, Carla Gómez, Carlos Gómez and Cristian Gómez, marking another milestone in a remarkable rise from local curiosity to national phenomenon.

Merlin the Duck poses with his owners Carla Gómez, Carlos Gómez and Cristian Gómez during a special event at the National Palace.

Dressed in a green Mexico national team jersey and FIFA-themed accessories, Merlin quickly became the center of attention as photographers, journalists, and government officials gathered to witness the unusual guest's latest public appearance.

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Merlin first gained widespread recognition after appearing in celebrations following Mexico’s opening World Cup victory over South Africa. Videos and photographs of the duck accompanying fans during the festivities spread rapidly across social media, transforming him into an unlikely celebrity and a symbol of national pride.

Since then, Merlin has become a familiar face at football-related events, community gatherings, and public appearances. His growing popularity has resonated with supporters who view him as a lighthearted representation of the passion and unity that football inspires throughout the country.

The two-year-old duck, who became a viral social media sensation after appearing in celebrations following Mexico's opening World Cup victory over South Africa, attended President Claudia Sheinbaum's morning briefing.

At the National Palace event, Merlin remained calm and composed while seated beside his family. Wearing a bright FIFA scarf and a custom Mexico-themed outfit, the duck posed for photographs and drew smiles from attendees throughout the venue.

Perseverance, family unity, and community pride

For Carla Gómez, Carlos Gómez, and Cristian Gómez, the experience represented an extraordinary journey that began with a beloved family pet. During the event, the family reflected on Merlin’s unexpected fame and spoke about the positive messages they hope to share through his popularity.

Wearing a Mexico national team jersey and FIFA-themed attire, Merlin sat alongside his family as they spoke about their unexpected fame and their role as representatives of working-class Mexican families.

They emphasized their identity as representatives of working-class Mexican families, highlighting values such as perseverance, family unity, and community pride.

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s briefing provided a fitting backdrop for Merlin’s appearance, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues. Mexico will play a prominent role in hosting the historic tournament alongside the United States and Canada, bringing global attention to the country and its football culture.

"Today we brought the family that has Merlin the duck as their pet, because he has been a symbol of the World Cup, a symbol of what Mexican families stand for, of who we are as Mexican families, and that is above all else; it is what the world is seeing from Mexico today," she said as reported by Reuters.

She also described Merlin as "a small symbol of our culture and of how Mexicans are."

The event drew significant media attention and reinforced Merlin's status as one of the tournament's most recognizable unofficial symbols.

According to Infobae, Sheinbaum said the invitation was about more than a viral duck. She wanted people to learn about the Gómez family, their struggles, and their story as a working-class Mexican family. She called the event "an issue of humanism" and said the government would look for ways to ensure the family's newfound fame could help improve their quality of life.

During the briefing, Merlin reportedly became the star of the event, sitting alongside officials, quacking occasionally, and even attempting to peck the president when she tried to pet him.