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From Korea to Turkey; this is how the 'Pato Merlín' euphoria is lived around the world
🇲🇽 Mexico /Sports

From Korea to Turkey; this is how the 'Pato Merlín' euphoria is lived around the world

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A Peking duck named 'Pato Merlín' has become an unofficial mascot for Mexico during the 2026 World Cup.
  • The duck gained viral fame after being seen with its owners during Mexico's first match celebration.
  • Merlín's popularity has spread internationally, with media in South Korea, Turkey, and the US covering its story.

A two-year-old Peking duck, affectionately known as 'Pato Merlín,' has unexpectedly become a global sensation and the unofficial mascot for the Mexican national team during the 2026 World Cup. The duck's journey from accompanying its street vendor owners in central Mexico to international fame began after it was featured in celebrations following Mexico's opening match victory.

Merlín, a duck, becomes the unofficial mascot of Mexico as they seek first place in Group A.

— The Chosun DailySouth Korean media reported on the duck's rising fame ahead of the Mexico vs. South Korea match.

Merlín's quirky presence quickly captured the hearts of fans, leading to hundreds of memes and AI-generated animations. Its image, often depicted wearing a Mexican team jersey, has become a symbol of the team's campaign. The duck's newfound celebrity status was highlighted by South Korean media outlet The Chosun Daily, which reported on Merlín becoming Mexico's unofficial mascot as the team vied for the top spot in Group A.

Inspired by Paul the Octopus, Merlín recently tested his beak to make predictions about the matches, choosing Mexico over South Korea when presented with both flags.

— Daily SabahTurkish media compared Merlín's popularity to Paul the Octopus and noted its predictive actions.

Turkish media outlets Daily Sabah and Gdh drew parallels between Merlín's popularity and that of Paul the Octopus, a famous predictor during the 2010 World Cup. Merlín has also engaged in "predictions," reportedly choosing the Mexican flag over the South Korean one when presented with both. The Washington Post dedicated a special segment to the duck, noting that while Mexican players scored the goals, a duck stole the spotlight.

The Mexican players in the World Cup may have scored the goals, but a duck stole the spotlight.

— Washington PostThe Washington Post highlighted the duck's unexpected prominence during the tournament.

The duck's fame has even reached Africa, with Channel Africa sharing its "prediction" for the Mexico-South Korea game. Merlín's story exemplifies how unexpected elements can capture global attention during major sporting events, transcending the sport itself to become a cultural phenomenon.

Merlín appeared to prefer Mexico to South Korea by choosing a Mexican flag with his beak.

— Channel AfricaAfrican media reported on the duck's perceived prediction for the Mexico vs. South Korea game.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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