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Two-year-old bird gained fame on social media after appearing with the colors of Mexico and became treated as the unofficial mascot of the tournament
An unexpected figure stole part of the attention at the 2026 World Cup.
The duck Merlin, just two years old, went viral on social media after appearing wearing a special shirt with the colors of the Mexican team.
Since then, the bird’s images have spread rapidly, making Merlin be treated by the public as a kind of unofficial World Cup mascot.
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The fame grew even more after Mexico’s victory over South Africa by 2 to 1, a result that amplified the festive atmosphere among the fans.
Even without being part of FIFA’s official list, the duck gained space on the streets, on social media, and in the imagination of football fans.
Duck Merlin was already known before worldwide fame
Merlin was already attracting attention in Mexico City before becoming a sensation during the World Cup.
The bird usually accompanies its owner, Carla Gómez, who sells water and soft drinks at fairs and events in the historic center of the Mexican capital.
Wherever he goes, the duck arouses curiosity.
Many people ask to take pictures with him, especially because of the personalized outfit with the colors of Mexico.
According to Carla Gómez, in a statement to the Associated Press, supporting the Mexican team became part of the family’s routine.
“Mexico, we are with you. And Merlin is the number one fan,” said the owner.
Videos of the fan duck accumulate millions of views
Merlin’s popularity grew rapidly after the videos circulated on social media.
The Mexican shirt, combined with the bird’s calm behavior, helped transform the duck into a charismatic character of the World Cup.
Consequently, the records began to accumulate millions of views.
With each new appearance, Merlin gained more space among fans, curious people, and social media users.
This repercussion made the duck stop being just a local attraction.
Now, he also appears as a spontaneous symbol of Mexican support during the tournament.
Family hopes Merlin continues to bring luck to Mexico
The international repercussion made Carla Gómez’s family hope that Merlin continues to be associated with the good phase of the Mexican team.
The fans also started to see the duck as an informal amulet.
Merlin has no official connection with the World Cup organization.
His fame was born spontaneously, driven by public interest and the power of social media.
Therefore, the case shows how unexpected characters can gain prominence in major sporting events.
During the World Cup, it is not only players and teams that become the subject of discussion.
Sometimes, a duck in a team jersey can also win over millions of people.
Official World Cup mascots are Maple, Zayu, and Clutch
The 2026 World Cup has three official mascots, despite Merlin’s sudden fame.
Each character represents one of the host countries of the tournament: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
FIFA introduced Maple, Zayu, and Clutch as the official symbols of the competition.
These mascots were created to represent cultural, sporting, and territorial aspects of each host country.
Maple represents Canada in the World Cup
The first official mascot is Maple, a moose representing Canada.
His name refers to the maple leaf, a Canadian national symbol.
The character was associated with music, urban style, and cultural travels across the country’s territory.
Thus, Maple seeks to convey part of Canada’s cultural diversity within the World Cup.
Zayu symbolizes Mexico and its cultural strength
Zayu represents Mexico.
The character is a jaguar linked to the southern Mexican jungles and the country’s cultural heritage.
According to FIFA, the name Zayu refers to unity, strength, and joy.
Thus, the official Mexican mascot carries a direct connection with the identity of the host country.
This representation also reinforces Mexico’s presence as one of the hosts of the competition.
Clutch represents the United States
Clutch is the bald eagle that represents the United States.
The character was described as adventurous, optimistic, and passionate about North American culture.
Clutch appears as a midfielder with great mobilization power.
Its name refers to a sports slang used for decisive athletes in important moments.
Therefore, the eagle symbolizes competitiveness, leadership, and sportsmanship.
Merlin shows the spontaneous side of the World Cup
Merlin’s story draws attention precisely because it was not planned.
The duck was not created by an official campaign, nor is it part of FIFA’s institutional communication.
Even so, it won over the public with a simple, curious image linked to football.
While Maple, Zayu, and Clutch officially represent the 2026 World Cup, Merlin gained space through another path.
The bird went viral due to popular identification and the fan atmosphere in the streets of Mexico City.
In the end, the World Cup is also made of these parallel stories.
Among matches, teams, and big stars, a fan duck managed to become an informal symbol of joy, luck, and passion for football.
Do you think Merlin should be recognized as the symbolic mascot of the Mexican fans in this World Cup? Leave your opinion!
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