Merlin, a two-year-old domesticated duck wearing a miniature Mexico national football team jersey and custom socks, has become an internet sensation and the first unofficial mascot of the 2026 FIFA World Cup following Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa on June 15 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].

Owned by street vendor Karla Ivette Gómez, who sells drinks with her son Cristian in Mexico City, Merlin often accompanies the family around the city’s historic center and landmarks, attracting crowds eager to take photos [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8]. Gómez said, "We don’t like to leave him alone at home; we like him to be with us. He’s our baby" [1].

Merlin’s viral fame took off after a fan filmed the duck dressed in the Mexican team’s jersey and socks on Reforma Avenue following Mexico’s opening match win on June 15 [2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8]. FIFA later invited Merlin and his owner to meet officials and shoot promotional materials in Mexico City on June 16 [4, 5]. Merlin has even attempted to predict match outcomes, correctly choosing Mexico over South Korea in a June 18 prediction [2, 3, 4, 6, 7].

The duck’s Mexican team jersey bears the number 12, symbolizing the fans as the "12th player" on the team [8]. Mexican fans have called Merlin a "national treasure" and expressed a desire to see him at stadiums [1]. Gómez stated, "I'm Merlin's mum ... The fact that Merlin is the unofficial mascot of the World Cup … we feel very pleased about such a situation and above all that people love my duck" [2].

Merlin is respectfully compared alongside the official Mexican World Cup mascots, the axolotl and the FIFA jaguar. Gómez noted, "We are very respectful. We respect the (Mexico City mascot) axolotl as much as the (FIFA) jaguar. We don't like controversy, honestly" [2].

At times Merlin has been seen cooling off in public fountains during street appearances [2, 3, 6, 7]. On June 19, Merlin attended the Mexico City World Cup Fan Fest and appeared on local television, where FIFA recognized him officially as an ambassador for Mexico [8].

Mexico is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup along with Canada and the United States, marking the third time Mexico has hosted after 1970 and 1986 [1]. Merlin’s rising profile coincides with the tournament’s continued matches and fan celebrations throughout the country.