FIFA World Cup 2026: Merlin the duck becomes internet`s new sensation

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Merlin, a two-year-old duck dressed in a miniature Mexico jersey has become an unlikely internet sensation and the FIFA World Cup’s first unofficial mascot.

Images of Merlin parading through Mexico City have quickly gone viral, racking up millions of views across social media platforms.

“We want to see Merlin in the stadium,” one social media user wrote. “This duck is already a national treasure,” said another. “The best thing about the World Cup so far,” declared a third.

In Mexico City, however, Merlin was already something of a local celebrity. A familiar sight at fairs and events in the historic city centre, the duck regularly accompanies his owner, Carla Gomez, who sells water and soft drinks from a little cart each weekend.

“We don’t like to leave him alone at home; we like him to be with us. He’s our baby,” Gomez said.

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