Merlin the duck — ambassador of Mexico City: how one bird won over the 2026 World Cup and all of Mexico
The two year old domestic duck became a viral sensation after Mexico's 2:0 win over South Africa. She was invited to the National Palace, named official ambassador of the city, and her owner now shares her family's story. 48 teams, 3 countries, 104 matches — and one duck that stole the show.
As reported by CCTV+, Merlin the duck, who went viral during the FIFA 2026 World Cup, has been named the official ambassador of Mexico City, one of the host cities. The two year old domestic duck, owned by street vendor Carla Ivette Gómez, won the hearts of football fans around the world after being filmed waddling through the crowd in a shirt resembling Mexico's national team jersey, alongside her family's cart during street celebrations following Mexico's 2:0 victory over South Africa on 12 June.
Daniela, a German football fan, said: "I saw the video of Merlin. He's so cute. We were just talking about him. I said I wouldn't leave until I saw the duck. We saw a lot of people gathered here, and on closer inspection it turned out to be him." In fact, Merlin was already well known among locals, as Carla and her son took the duck with them when they sold drinks on the streets. But after the video went viral, Merlin's popularity soared to the point that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum invited the duck and its owners to a press conference at the National Palace on 22 June.
Carla said: "We didn't realise how famous Merlin was until we returned to the shop to unload goods in the evening. About two or three days later, we saw lots of posts and realised his popularity. We are very happy because people are starting to learn about our family's story." Flores, a Mexican football fan, added: "In Mexico, everyone loves animals. It is a delightful and moving surprise to see this hard working family become popular."
The FIFA 2026 World Cup, the 23rd edition but the first to feature 48 teams and three host nations, kicked off on 11 June and runs until 19 July. 104 matches will be played across 16 cities — 11 in the US, three in Mexico and two in Canada. Against the backdrop of this grand event, it was a duck that became the face of Mexico City — a symbol of simplicity, warmth and genuine affection that needs no translation.
When the spotlight falls not on a football star but on a domestic duck in a jersey, it shows that the real magic of the World Cup is not only on the pitch. Merlin became a symbol of how sport brings people together, and how a random moment can turn an ordinary duck and her family into global celebrities. In a world driven by ratings and contracts, one duck reminded us: sometimes it's enough just to be yourself to win millions of hearts.
