Meet Merlin the duck, a Mexico City streetside regular turned World Cup mascot

Article excerpt

A 2-year-old duck named Merlin, dressed in Mexico's national colors and a regular sight on Mexico City streets, became an internet sensation during Mexico's World Cup-opening victory over South Africa. The charismatic waterfowl captured hearts and sparked viral social media moments as fans embraced the unlikely mascot. Merlin's transformation from anonymous streetside resident to World Cup celebrity reflects how sports tournaments can elevate the ordinary into the memorable, turning a duck into a symbol of national pride and fan enthusiasm.