Viral has recently become a two-year-old duck in Mexico, who appeared in a green national team jersey in the face of this year's World Cup. Merlin was first seen walking the streets along with his owner and immediately won the heart of millions of Mexicans. Since then it has turned into a kind of national star or mascot.

As the afp reports, he wears the shirt with number 12 and is now recognized everywhere. Bakers have started selling candy with Merlin's image in his green jersey, while many journalists interview him and ask him about his predictions about the World Cup.

Merlin, a domesticated duck wearing an El Tri Jersey, has become an unlikely star of Mexico City's streets as World Cup ever grips the capital https://t.co/8lAhfZSwQg pic.twitter. com/dit1lFpDzx— Reuters (@Reuters) June 17, 2026

In the evening he goes along with thousands of fans to the "Fan Fest" of Mundial in Mexico City, where he is anxiously watching his country's struggles.

In fact, FIFA has ratified ‘representative’ country football. After winning 1–0 against South Korea and qualifying for the "32" phase of Mundial FOX Sports published a video with artificial intelligence that captures Merlin as the giant king of the first group of the event.

Kings of Group A 👑

Mexico powers themselves into the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup pic.twitter. com/b4iTZDdSZq— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 19, 2026

How it became viral‘In no way did we think it would become so viral“ stated Merlyn’s 48 - year - old street vendor and owner Carla Yvette Gomez. "We were walking (on the main avenue of Mexico City) and suddenly a girl took a video, and then we became viral," she explains. In the video, Gomez seems to push a juice cart along with her son, while Merlin in Mexico's green jersey tries not to stay behind. His wings remain well closed inside his jersey.

"He is a family member, he is everything to us"As soon as Merlin arrives at Bellas Artes Palace a man sounds but shouts: “It's the duck!“ It’s just that I’ve been thinking. ” Immediately dozens of people run toward him in order to take pictures and videos, while some try to pet him.

Football 'ambassador' and fan favorite: a duck becomes a star in Mexico

Merlin meets the journals in the afteroon after a busy morning at Mexico's biggest TV station. His agent is jam-packed, going late into the night so he can join thousands of admirers at the World Cup... pic.twitter. com/RSoqmDxElI— AFP News Agency (@AFP) June 19, 2026

This is the third duck of the Gomez family. A client gave her away after her predecessor died. Her name comes from the legendary magician of medieval mythology. ‘He's a family member.“ The 14 - year - old Christian Gomez, who takes care of her, points out. ‘It's everything to us.“ the mother, who carries a bag of water and change of clothes, notes. At intervals they take off his shirt to rest and stretch his wings.

The winged football fanatic eats fruit, vegetables, crickets, fish and “Every now and then a taco“ Carla confesses. At its last examination, the veterinarian stressed that ‘is overweight and fat“ It’s just that I’ve been thinking. ”

His next station is the fan zone, where thousands of people gather under the rain to watch the race, and of course Merlin. "They will name him FIFA ambassador to Mexico. We are very proud of this report," stresses Gomez.

There has long been a fascination in the World Cup for animals predicting the results, dating from Paul the Octopus in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.