Viral Duck Merlin Becomes Mexico's Beloved World Cup Symbol
WHO:
NY Post - The duck is named Merlin, and its owner is Karla Gomez.
Fast Company - The Mexican National Team has adopted Merlin as an unofficial mascot.
WHAT:
NY Post - Merlin, a dressed-up duck, became a viral sensation during the World Cup.
Fast Company - Fans celebrated Mexico's victory over South Africa in the inaugural match of the World Cup.
Fast Company - A user on X stated, “Honestly, it’s better than the official mascot jajajaja half-court goal from the Mexicans.”
Fast Company - The Mexican National Team posted on their official X account, “From the stands, from home or from wherever you are, your support is unconditional and Merlin knows it.”
Fast Company - Aeromexico, Mexico's largest airline, posted on X, “Tonight all us Aeromexicans choose to believe that ‘this is the one.’”
WHERE:
NY Post - The events took place on Reforma Avenue in Mexico City.
Fast Company - The duck was seen outside the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.
WHEN:
Fast Company - The inaugural match between Mexico and South Africa occurred on June 12, 2026.
Fast Company - An image of Merlin flying towards the Guadalajara stadium was shared by the Mexican National Team on June 16, 2026.
WHY:
Fast Company - Many users on social media are calling for brands and the national team to give back to Merlin's owners for capitalizing on his image.
HOW:
Fast Company - Karla Gomez takes Merlin around town while working as a street vendor selling water and sodas.
(UPDATED June 19, 2026 21:22 UTC)
A dressed-up duck named Merlin has become a viral sensation during the World Cup, capturing the hearts of fans after Mexico's victory over South Africa in their inaugural match. The Mexican National Team has embraced Merlin as an unofficial mascot, even sharing an image of him flying towards the Guadalajara stadium just days after the match. As Karla Gomez, Merlin's owner and a street vendor, takes him around Mexico City, many social media users are urging brands and the national team to recognize her for capitalizing on his newfound fame.