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FIFA World Cup 2026: Merlin the duck steals show at Mexican president’s news briefing
By Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
Leave it to a duck to dominate the web.Read more trending newsMerlin the duck wore the green jersey of Mexico’s national soccer team and a FIFA tie as he strolled -- no, make that waddled -- into a room in front of President Claudia Sheinbaum and faced reporters, The Associated Press reported.The...
Key takeaway Leave it to a duck to dominate the web.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
As Atlanta residents follow the FIFA World Cup 2026, the story of Merlin the duck offers a lighthearted distraction from the competition. However, for local businesses and event organizers, Merlin's viral sensation status may also serve as a reminder of the power of creative marketing and community engagement. In Atlanta, where cultural events and festivals are a staple of the city's identity, the story of Merlin and his owner Karla Gomez may inspire new ideas for promoting local businesses and attractions. The fact that Merlin's fame began during street celebrations after a World Cup game also highlights the importance of public gatherings and community events in Atlanta, where similar events like the Atlanta United matches and music festivals bring people together and showcase the city's vibrant culture. As the World Cup continues, it will be interesting to see if any local Atlanta businesses or organizations draw inspiration from Merlin's story to create their own unique promotions or events.
About this story
Original reporting by WSB-TV (ABC) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSB-TV (ABC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WSB-TV (ABC) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Leave it to a duck to dominate the web.Read more trending newsMerlin the duck wore the green jersey of Mexico’s national soccer team and a FIFA tie as he strolled -- no, make that waddled -- into a room in front of President Claudia Sheinbaum and faced reporters, The Associated Press reported.The...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WSB-TV (ABC) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Bob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk at WSB-TV (ABC) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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