Merlin duck, famous for wearing Mexico jersey on Mexico City streets, banned by FIFA from stadium for Group A match between hosts and Czech Republic on June 25. - VnExpress

'Prophet' duck in Mexico City banned by FIFA from World Cup stadium

Merlin duck, famous for wearing Mexico jersey on Mexico City streets, banned by FIFA from Group A match between host Mexico and Czech Republic June 25.

Organizers confirm Merlin, duck wearing Mexico jersey during tournament, blocked from Estadio Azteca stadium, Mexico, for safety and health reasons.

Without Merlin support, Mexico still won. Mateo Chavez, Julian Quinones, Alvaro Fidalgo scored.

Before ban, Merlin entered stadium to film TV show.

Carla Gomez, duck owner, believes pet brings luck to Mexico team this World Cup.

Merlin, two-year-old duck, famous worldwide. Unofficial mascot for World Cup 2026. Tourists filmed Merlin wearing Mexico jersey, walking Mexico City streets, posted online. Fans loved duck. Stopped for photos, videos.

Famous World Cup duck predicts Mexico win over South Korea

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Famous World Cup duck predicts Mexico win over South Korea

Prophet duck Merlin attracts tourist attention on Mexico City streets. Video: Instagram/Federal

Gomez "very surprised" pet became social media sensation. "Past few days crazy," Gomez said about duck fame and love from fans, international tourists.

Merlin long-time local pet. Accompanies Carla Gomez and son Cristian selling street goods at famous landmarks: Alameda Central park, Palace of Fine Arts, Zocalo square.

Merlin duck with owner Cristian in Mexico City June 22. Photo: AFP

Merlin duck with owner Cristian in Mexico City June 22. Photo: AFP

Not just famous for jersey, Merlin nicknamed "prophet" duck. Duck drew attention by choosing Mexico flag, predicting North American team beats South Korea in Group A second match.

Placed before two flags, Merlin walked straight to Mexico flag. Fans cheered. Gomez hoped prediction comes true, brings luck to "El Tri" (Mexico team nickname). Later, Mexico beat South Korea 1-0.

Animal predictions popular entertainment at World Cups. Trend started with Paul Octopus in 2010.

Paul Octopus (Sea Life Centre, Germany) went viral. Correctly predicted 12 of 14 matches by eating from boxes with winning team flags. Record accuracy earned Paul "prophet" title from media.