A Feathered Mascot Takes the Spotlight
A bright‑yellow duck named Merlin, sporting a miniature Mexico shirt and socks, has emerged as an unofficial mascot for the country's World Cup campaign after a series of viral videos.
The bird first appeared during street celebrations in Mexico City following the national team's win over South Africa, where he was seen cooling off in a public fountain and drawing crowds of selfie‑taking fans.
Karla Gomez, the street merchant who sells beverages and who considers Merlin her son, said she was surprised by the attention but has embraced the duck's newfound fame, noting that people often stop her family to pose with Merlin.
Beyond his cute appearance, Merlin has taken on a playful role in the tournament, offering match predictions; the duck recently chose Mexico over South Korea, sparking cheers among supporters.
The phenomenon has been covered by international news outlets, including Reuters, which highlighted the feathered fan's impact on social media and the tournament's atmosphere.