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Football 'Ambassador' and Fan Favorite: a Duck Becomes a Star in Mexico
- Merlin, a 2-year-old domesticated duck, became Mexico's viral unofficial World Cup mascot after parading through Mexico City wearing a team jersey during celebrations.
- The duck's fame ignited last week on Reforma Avenue following Mexico's 2-0 victory over South Africa, surprising owner Karla Gomez, who sells beverages with her son Christian.
- Channeling the spirit of Paul the Octopus, Merlin recently predicted a Mexico victory over South Korea by selecting flags, with Gomez saying, "We never imagined he'd become such a sensation."
- On Monday, Gomez and Merlin met FIFA representatives to film a commercial ahead of Mexico's match against South Korea in Guadalajara on Thursday, June 18.
- Mexico is staging the World Cup for the third time after hosting in 1970 and 1986, with the family hoping Merlin brings luck before facing the Czech Republic on June 24.
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59 Articles
59 Articles
The goals of Raúl Jiménez or Luis Romo in the World Cup are as viral as the photos of Merlin, the “world-wide duck” of the Gómez family.
"Ambassador" of FIFA and fan charm: a duck goes viral in Mexico.
Merlin is Mexico City’s new official ambassador to the FIFA World Cup 2026
·Mexico
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At the World Cup in Mexico it's all about football. No, that's wrong. Because a duck inspires the host country. Merlin wads into all hearts - and finds an imitator.
The whole world talks about Merlín, the enteric in the Mexico jersey. His owner Karla Yvette Gómez López explains how Merlín became a football fan, how keen he likes his tacos – and why he doesn't mind all the stress.
·Munich, Germany
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Total News Sources59
Leaning Left12Leaning Right10Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Left
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left
40% Left
L 40%
C 27%
R 33%
Factuality
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