Full Breakdown
Merlin Meets President Claudia Sheinbaum
6/24/2026, 12:27:40 AM
Press Briefing Appearance
On Monday, 22 June 2026, Merlin—a duck in a green Mexico jersey—entered the National Palace press briefing before President Claudia Sheinbaum. He sat at the lectern, quacked, and the president briefly tried to pet him before ending the briefing.
Street Celebrations Spark Mascot
Merlin rose to fame during street celebrations after Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa on 11 June 2026, World Cup opener. The duck became an unofficial mascot, prompting owner Karla Gómez to seek a trademark and to use the spotlight to aid her family.
Participants
Merlin, a duck described as “the boss of our little business”; Karla Gómez, a streetside water-and-soft-drink vendor; her sons Carlos (22) and Cristian (14); President Claudia Sheinbaum, who invited the family; and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit of Pachuca, about 90 km north of Mexico City.
Dates & Figures
11 June 2026—Merlin appears during the World Cup opener; 22 June 2026—press briefing appearance; age two years; three family members present; diet includes small fish, crickets and a pork taco on Sundays; Pachuca unit located 90 km (?55 mi) from Mexico City.
Reactions
President Sheinbaum said the family would receive assistance. Gómez said she felt honored to meet the president and called Merlin a symbol of Mexican families. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit warned that fame can trigger “impulse purchases and abandonment,” stressing responsible caretakers.
Criticism
Users reproached the president for highlighting a duck while relatives of missing persons, protesting, remain unheard. Wildlife advocates warned the duck’s popularity could spur illegal pet trade and neglect of animal welfare.
Eyewitness
Reporters saw Merlin waddling in his jersey, taking a seat facing the press and quacking. The president tried to pet him, posed for photos with Gómez and her sons, then resumed the briefing, ending questions.
Conflicts
Sources spell the owner’s name as Carla or Karla. Merlin’s age is listed as two years in some reports but omitted in others. Assistance promised lacks specifics, and no data are given on economic impact of a trademark or on wildlife-trade trends linked to the duck’s fame.
Quotes
- “We feel very honoured to be here with the president. It is an honour for us to stand before you and for the whole world to see the beautiful side of Mexico.” — Karla Gómez, owner
- “Today we brought the family that has Merlin the duck as their pet because he has been a symbol of the World Cup, a symbol of what Mexican families stand for, of who we are as Mexican families.” — President Claudia Sheinbaum
- “He’s the one who follows behind us, making sure we’re working and doing things the right way.” — Karla Gómez
- “Animals do not need owners for fashion; they need responsible caretakers.” — Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit of Pachuca
