The duck Merlín, an unofficial mascot of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Mexico, was received by President Claudia Sheinbaum at her daily morning press conference on 22 June, hours before its owners filed to register the bird's name and image as a trademark with the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI). The family, led by street vendor Karla Gómez, stated the registration aims to prevent what they called “abusive” commercial exploitation by third parties, after the animal’s image in a Mexican national team jersey went viral during opening-match celebrations on 11 June.

Viewed from the federal government, the invitation was framed as an act of “humanism.” Sheinbaum said the administration would help translate the family’s sudden fame into improved living conditions through social programmes, describing Merlín as a symbol of hard-working Mexican families. The family, for its part, presented itself as a mother-led household that sells bottled water in the historic centre of Mexico City, with one son recently discharged from psychiatric care. Former president Felipe Calderón, writing on social media, argued the family should receive royalties or substantial financial support, noting that media outlets and platforms have profited from the duck’s popularity.

The commercial dimension is complicated by FIFA’s designation of Merlín as an “ambassador” of the host city, a move that, according to the family, came without financial compensation. Meanwhile, the Estadio Ciudad de México’s general regulations and FIFA’s code of conduct both prohibit animals inside the venue, with exceptions only for assistance animals. This casts doubt on whether Merlín can attend a national team match despite an invitation from a broadcaster. Separately, the capital’s wildlife unit warned that the duck’s fame risks triggering impulse purchases of unconventional pets, noting that domestic ducks can live up to ten years and require specialised care, and that many are later abandoned.

Merlín is the third duck kept by the Gómez family. Two predecessors, Bruna and Waffle, also gained social-media attention; Waffle died in early 2024 after allegedly consuming poisoned food thrown in the street. The current duck, a two-year-old Pekin, was a gift from a customer following that loss. Its diet includes specialised feed, vegetables, fruit, and live insects, with a weekly taco de carnitas provided by a street vendor. The family says the animal wears protective socks after its custom shoes were stolen.

The trademark application is now under way, and the family has indicated willingness to collaborate with Mexican brands, singling out the soft-drink cooperative Pascual as a preferred partner. The unresolved question of stadium access remains, with any exception requiring extraordinary authorisation from organisers or authorities. The government has not specified the form its promised assistance will take.