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Mexico Unofficial Mascot, Merlín, Denied Entry to Estadio Azteca
The duck was allowed onto the stadium grounds for a Televisa segment, but FIFA rules kept him out of Mexico’s match.
- On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, Merlin, a 2-year-old duck, was denied entry to Estadio Azteca for Mexico's match against Czechia despite arriving to great fanfare as the World Cup's unofficial mascot.
- Merlin rose to viral fame accompanying Carla Gomez at her street beverage stand in Mexico City, culminating in a visit to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace on June 22, 2026.
- FIFA regulations prohibit animals from entering tournament venues to safeguard their well-being, though the organization permitted Merlin to enter the perimeter to film a segment with Televisa, one of Latin America's largest television networks.
- Gomez secured the trademark for the duck's name following a dispute, while fans continue to view the bird as an unofficial lucky charm for the Mexican national team.
- "These last few days have been crazy, we'll never stop being grateful for what we've experienced," Gomez told The Associated Press, reflecting on the whirlwind from street vendor to global World Cup icon.
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Merlín the duck takes a trip to the stadium, but FIFA rules keep him out of Mexico match
Christian Gomez interacts with his duck Merlin, dressed in a Mexican national soccer team jersey, as they attend the daily press conference by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace in Mexico City, Monday, June 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)Merlin the duck, dressed in a Mexican national soccer team jersey, attends the daily press conference by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, left, along with his caretakers Carla Gomez…
Merlín the duck barred from Mexico match at Azteca Stadium due to FIFA rules
Follow Merlín the duck's viral World Cup journey to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, where FIFA rules let him enter the perimeter but barred him from watching Mexico vs Czech Republic, despite fan support and celebrity status
·Dubai, United Arab Emirates (the)
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left6Leaning Right2Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 20%
R 20%
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