RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT AFP PHOTO / MEXICAN PRESIDENCY - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
This handout picture released by the Mexican Presidency shows Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Christian, son of the owner of Merlin the Duck, petting it at the National Palace in Mexico City on June 22, 2026. Dressed in his green Mexican national team shirt and accompanied by his human family, Merlin – the duck who has become the unofficial mascot of the 2026 World Cup – was welcomed by President Claudia Sheinbaum. The morning presidential press conference began with this bird, which shot to viral fame in the space of two weeks after being captured on video walking amongst the crowd of supporters whilst accompanying its owner, Karla Ivette Gomez, as she sold goods from her street stall. (Photo by Mexican Presidency / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT AFP PHOTO / MEXICAN PRESIDENCY - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS