President Claudia Sheinbaum invited the viral duck known as Merlín to the National Palace in Mexico City on Friday, June 19 [1].
The appearance leverages a social media trend to build momentum for the 2026 World Cup. By incorporating a viral phenomenon into the official state setting, the administration aims to connect with younger audiences and highlight the cultural excitement surrounding the upcoming tournament [2].
Merlín appeared during the president's morning press conference, commonly known as the mañanera [3]. The duck remained at the event for approximately 15 minutes [4]. The encounter was designed to highlight the animal's popularity and its symbolic link to the sports event [2].
While some early reports indicated that the president was only considering the possibility of an invitation [5], other accounts confirmed the duck's actual presence at the palace [4]. The visit has since become a focal point for social media users tracking the "phenomenon" of the 2026 World Cup [2].
The National Palace serves as the primary seat of the executive branch in Mexico. The inclusion of a viral animal in this formal environment marks a departure from traditional diplomatic proceedings, though it aligns with the casual nature of the daily mañanera briefings.
The administration has not released further details regarding the duck's role in official World Cup promotions, but the visit underscores the intersection of digital culture and government communication in the current era [2].
“The duck remained at the event for approximately 15 minutes.”
This event demonstrates a strategic use of 'soft power' and viral marketing by the Mexican government. By embracing a digital meme like Merlín, the Sheinbaum administration is attempting to humanize the presidency and synchronize national branding with the global visibility of the 2026 World Cup.
