Mexico's World Cup fever extends to pets with national team jerseys

World Cup fever in Mexico has extended beyond human fans, with pet owners enthusiastically dressing their animals in national team colors. From tiny Chihuahuas to larger Chow Chows, and even including pets like Merlin the duck, Mexicans are extending their support for the national soccer team, 'El Tri,' to their furry and feathered companions.

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She's part of the family.

Markets across Mexico City are bustling with vendors selling pet soccer jerseys. These often feature playful knock-off brands like 'Adidog,' catering to owners who want every family member, regardless of species, to participate in the nationalistic fervor. Some vendors are even taking custom orders to ensure a perfect fit for animals ranging from hamsters to horses.

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The most popular trend right now is the entire family dressed in the same outfit.

Diana Montes, a stall owner in La Merced market, noted the trend: "The most popular trend right now is the entire family dressed in the same outfit." This mirrors the sentiment of Aida Cruz, who was inspired to buy a Mexico shirt for her miniature Schnauzer, Cookie, after seeing images of Merlin the duck, who even met the president. "She's part of the family," Cruz said of her dog.

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We work closely with the relevant authorities in actions to combat the counterfeit trade and to protect consumers from counterfeiters. Adidas rigorously protects and enforces its intellectual property rights.

While official Adidas-made jerseys for humans command prices between $100 and $150, the pet versions, often unofficial replicas, sell for around $5. This price difference highlights the economic realities for many Mexicans, as the replica jersey alone can cost nearly a week's minimum wage, which is just over 315 pesos ($18) per day. Despite the cost, the passion for 'El Tri' is evident, with one street vendor, Efrain Miranda, reporting selling up to 30 pet jerseys daily until he ran out of stock due to high demand.

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There was huge demand.