Meet Merlin: Mexico's viral duck who met the president and became an unofficial World Cup mascot

Mexico’s passion for football runs deeper than any El Tri fan’s bloodstream — and now, it’s literally waddling into the presidential palace. Meet Merlin, a duck who has become the unofficial mascot of the World Cup after charming the nation with his miniature Mexico jersey. This week, he took his fandom to the highest level by meeting President Claudia Sheinbaum during her routine morning press conference.

The rise of Merlin

Merlin isn’t your average backyard duck. Thanks to his owner Karla Gómez, the feathered fan has been strutting around in a replica Mexico shirt, quacking his way into the hearts of millions online. In a country where football is almost a religion, Merlin’s viral fame turned him into a symbol of the impending World Cup buzz — a real-life mascot that even official merchandise struggles to match. His antics remind us that World Cup excitement isn’t just about the squad or the fixtures; it’s about the colour, the chaos, and the characters off the pitch.

A waddle into the presidential palace

On Monday, Merlin took his biggest step yet. As President Sheinbaum opened her conference, a little duck walked onto the stage, took a seat usually reserved for ministers, and let out a few confident quacks. Unruffled by the occasion — or the security detail — Merlin showed the composure of a seasoned international. Gómez later described the moment as ‘an honour’. The meeting wasn’t official World Cup business, but it captured the joy and lightheartedness that tournaments bring. After all, if a duck can own the room at the National Palace, imagine what the atmosphere will be like when the knockout stage comes to the Estadio Azteca.

Why it matters

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon — co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada — the excitement is already building. Merlin represents the grassroots fandom that makes football special: passionate, quirky, and utterly infectious. His audience with the president shows how deeply the World Cup spirit has penetrated Mexican society, from the streets to the highest office. It’s a gentle reminder that the beautiful game belongs to everyone — even ducks. As the countdown to the opening fixture continues, expect more Merlin moments. After all, every World Cup needs an unlikely hero.