Meet FIFA’s Unexpected Ambassador – Merlin The Duck

If you are watching FIFA 2026 World Cup, you might have noticed a duck quietly walking in Mexico City wearing Mexico’s iconic green national team jersey. The two-year-old duck is Merlin. (Image: Instagram)

The duck first went viral after a video showed him casually walking through the streets of Mexico City alongside his owner while proudly wearing Mexico’s iconic green national team jersey. (Image: Instagram)

Merlin is making TV appearances, posing for selfies with fans, attracting crowds wherever he goes and is even earning recognition from FIFA itself. (Image: Instagram)

Merlin’s biggest role during the tournament is serving as Mexico’s unofficial lucky mascot. As Mexico continues its World Cup journey, fans have embraced the duck as a symbol of positivity and hope. (Image: Instagram)

The duck's popularity became so massive that FIFA reportedly referred to him as one of Mexico’s World Cup "ambassadors". He has also appeared in promotional content related to the tournament, making him one of the most recognisable non-human personalities of the World Cup. (Image: Instagram)

Furthermore, he is a Muscovy duck, a species native to the Americas that has historical connections to ancient Aztec civilisation, according to eBird. Muscovy ducks were domesticated by the Aztecs centuries ago and even held symbolic importance in their culture. Hence, Merlin represents a unique blend of Mexico’s past and present. (Image: Instagram)