President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, on Monday, met with Merlin, an unofficial World Cup mascot, and its owner.

Dressed in a mini Mexico national team jersey, Merlin, its owner, Karla Gómez, and her son were hosted at Mrs Sheinbaum’s regular morning press conference on Monday.

In a video of the event, Ms Gómez, her son, and Merlin all took photographs with Mexico’s president as the crowd cheered.

“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,” said Ms Gómez, a vendor who sells water and drinks on the streets of Mexico.

Ms Gómez described Merlin as the “boss” who accompanies them as they sell water and drinks on the streets.

The Mexican president, who promised Ms Gómez’s family assistance, said, “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. Above all else, it is what the world is seeing from Mexico today.”

Merlin became an internet sensation during street celebrations of Mexico’s 2–0 opening-game victory over South Africa on June 11, 2026.

Last Monday, FIFA officials took photos with the celebrity duck, dubbing it Mexico’s “ambassador” for the 2026 World Cup.