“n
n” “nMexico City. Amidst the excitement generated by the 2026 World Cup, an unexpected story has captured the attention of millions of fans. It is not about a soccer star or a favorite team to win the title, but about Merlín, a duck that has become the unofficial mascot of the tournament and a symbol of effort for a Mexican family.
n” “nYou might be interested in: Germany comes from behind against Ivory Coast and moves closer to the round of 16
n” “nMerlin’s popularity began on June 11, during Mexico’s 2-0 victory over South Africa. Dressed in the Mexican national team jersey and accompanied by his family, the little animal appeared on the streets of the capital while helping to promote the sale of soft drinks and water that support the home of Karla Gómez and her children.
n” “nWhat seemed like an everyday scene soon turned into a viral phenomenon. Photographs, videos, and even images created with artificial intelligence flooded social media, turning Merlín into one of the most talked-about figures around the World Cup.
For Karla Gómez, a single mother and the bird’s owner, Merlin’s success represents much more than a passing fad. She believes that the affection the animal receives reflects many people’s admiration for hardworking families who struggle daily to get ahead.
“He is a hardworking duck, who gets up early and is part of our routine,” comments Gómez, who assures that many people identify with the story of effort behind the World Cup mascot.
n” “nMerlin’s growing fame has also brought challenges. According to the family, various companies have used his image for commercial purposes without authorization, while some social media users have launched criticisms and legal threats related to the viral phenomenon.
More Read
Faced with this situation, Karla announced that she will begin the process to officially register the Merlín brand to protect the animal’s image, in addition to opening the door to potential collaborations with Mexican companies and cooperatives interested in working formally with the family.
n” “nDespite the media exposure and the difficulties that have arisen, the Gómez family maintains the unity that characterizes them. Between jokes, they describe themselves as a “flock family,” where Merlín is considered one more member of the household.
n” “nAs the World Cup continues to provide goals and excitement, the story of the popular duck shows that some of the tournament’s great protagonists can be found far from the pitches and closer to the human stories that inspire millions of people.
n”
