World Cup duck mascot gets stadium access, but not a seat
Merlín, Mexico City’s viral duck, entered the Azteca Stadium perimeter for a TV shoot but was barred from staying for Mexico’s match.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
3 min read
Merlín, the duck who has become a Mexico City World Cup favorite, was allowed inside the Azteca Stadium grounds Wednesday for a television segment but could not stay for Mexico’s match against the Czech Republic. A FIFA tournament spokesperson told The Associated Press that the bird could enter the perimeter, while stadium access remained off limits under rules barring animals from venues.
The decision ended a fan push to get Merlín into the stands with his family after his rapid rise during the tournament, the AP reported. FIFA rules prohibit animals from entering venues to protect their welfare, according to the AP.
Merlín arrived at the stadium area with owner Carla Gómez and her son, Cristian, while fans gathered nearby to see him, the AP reported. He traveled in a transport crate and was brought in under security procedures for a segment with Televisa, which the AP described as one of Latin America’s biggest television networks.
The FIFA spokesperson confirmed to the AP that Merlín was allowed into the outer area but not the stadium itself, and declined further comment.
Gómez told the AP that the family had been overwhelmed by the attention around the duck. “These last few days have been crazy, we’ll never stop being grateful for what we’ve experienced,” she said. “Everyone is truly amazed by Merlín.”
According to the AP, Merlín became widely known after appearing in Mexico City during Mexico’s opening World Cup victory. In less than two weeks, he went from walking through city streets to visiting the presidential palace, the AP reported.
The 2-year-old duck has often been seen wearing a green Mexico jersey while accompanying Gómez’s family as they sell drinks in the city, according to the AP. His public appearances have expanded to interviews, television studios, the World Cup fan fest in Mexico City’s Zócalo and a visit to Netflix, the AP reported.
Outside the stadium, supporter Daniel Krauze, who wore a duck hat, told the AP that Merlín had taken on a role beyond a viral novelty. “He’s become our unofficial mascot for Mexico and the World Cup,” Krauze said. “I feel proud to wear Merlín the duck.”
Merlín’s sudden popularity also led to a trademark fight over his name, the AP reported. At least two applications seeking exclusive commercial rights were filed before Gómez’s application, but the registration was later awarded to her, according to the AP.
Although Merlín could not attend the match from inside the stadium, Gómez’s family was able to watch Mexico’s national team in person after supporters sent hundreds of requests, the AP reported. Gómez called the moment a “very powerful emotion” and told the AP she believed the duck would still bring the team good fortune.
This story draws on original reporting from Fortune.