Duck, duck, goal: bird dressed in Mexico’s World Cup jersey scores on social media | World Cup 2026
Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez may have scored the goals, but a duck stole the show.
As Mexico celebrated its opening World Cup victory over South Africa on Thursday, Merlin, a two-year-old duck wearing the national team colours, became an unlikely internet sensation and the tournament’s first unofficial mascot.
Footage of Merlin parading around Mexico City in his Mexican national team jersey and socks, celebrated by thousands of fans, quickly went viral, reaching millions of views on social media. Overnight, Merlin had captivated the internet, as if under the spell of the famous wizard who inspired his name.
“We want to see Merlin in the stadium,” one user wrote. “This duck is already a national treasure,” said another. “Best thing of the World Cup so far,” said a third.
But in Mexico City, Merlin was already a local celebrity.
A familiar sight at fairs and events in the historic city center, the duck regularly accompanies owner Carla Gómez, who sells water and soft drinks from a small cart every weekend. Along the way, the animal attracts many joyful squeals, affectionate greetings, and eager requests from passersby to take photos together.
“We don’t like leaving him home alone; we like having him with us. He’s our baby,” Gómez said. “She’s my baby, the sole heir to all my belongings, and now she’s an idol.”
Rain or shine, Merlin follows Gómez and his young son Cristian through some of the capital’s most well-known landmarks, including Alameda Central, the Palace of Fine Arts and the Zócalo square. The duck shares a particularly close bond with Cristian, who is essentially a gift to him, becoming what Gómez describes as the boy’s inseparable friend.
“Merlin was already famous for selling bottled water,” Gómez said, recalling his surprise at his pet’s sudden rise to fame.
“He is always with us; we never thought he would become such a sensation,” he added. “We didn’t expect this.”
The family now hopes Mexico’s famous furry fans will continue to bring luck to the host country, which is staging its third World Cup after hosting the tournament in 1970 and 1986; this time it is hosted alongside Canada and the USA.
“Mexico, we are with you,” Gómez said. “And Merlin is your #1 fan.”
