Merlin, the viral World Cup duck, meets Mexico's President Sheinbaum in a visit to the National Palace

From the streets to the palace

Merlin, a white duck belonging to street beverage vendor Karla Gómez, first gained fame on June 11 when Mexico beat South Africa 2–0 in the World Cup opener. Dressed in a miniature national team shirt and sometimes matching socks, the duck was filmed wandering among celebrating fans on Mexico City's Reforma avenue. The videos spread rapidly online, with even the Mexican football team sharing the footage, and Merlin quickly became the tournament's unofficial mascot.

On Monday, the duck accompanied Gómez and her two sons to President Claudia Sheinbaum's daily press conference at the National Palace. Merlin waddled onto the stage, settled into a seat normally occupied by ministers, and appeared largely unperturbed by the cameras. According to one report, the duck snapped briefly and nearly nipped the president, who managed to withdraw her hand in time.

We feel very honoured to be here with the president, it is an honour for us to stand before you and for the whole world to see the beautiful side of Mexico.

The owner's plans

Gómez, a 48-year-old single mother, described Merlin as the "boss" of her streetside beverage business. She said the duck eats a balanced diet but enjoys a carnitas pork taco on Sundays. Merlin, now two years old, arrived as a gift from a customer and is the third duck the family has owned. His name honours the wizard from Arthurian legend.

At the press conference, Gómez stated that Merlin's image and name would be registered as a trademark with the Mexican Institute of Intellectual Property. She also said the duck had been named a FIFA "ambassador," though no official confirmation was provided.

He is the boss of our business, he makes sure we work properly.

Presidential endorsement

Sheinbaum welcomed the family and acknowledged the duck's symbolic value. She told reporters that the government would assist the family in converting their sudden fame into an improved quality of life, without detailing specific measures.

Today we brought the family that has Merlin the duck as their pet, because he has been a symbol of the World Cup, a symbol of what Mexican families stand for, of who we are as Mexican families, and that is above all else; it is what the world is seeing from Mexico today.

Gómez hopes the attention will also help her eldest son, who struggles with mental illness.