Duck, duck, goal: bird dressed in Mexico’s World Cup jersey scores on social media

A two-year-old duck named Merlin became an internet sensation on June 13, 2026, after images of it wearing Mexico's national football team jersey went viral on social media. The duck was seen parading through Mexico City, drawing attention from fans celebrating the team's World Cup victory over South Africa. Merlin's appearance quickly positioned it as the tournament's unofficial mascot, generating widespread engagement online. The images gained traction shortly after Mexico secured its opening win, highlighting the unexpected ways cultural moments can emerge and spread through digital platforms. The duck's attire mirrored the national team's colors, contributing to its popularity among supporters.