Merlin, the pet duck in a mini Mexico shirt who has become a viral sensation and an unofficial mascot of the World Cup, met Mexico's president on Monday.
Merlin, a domesticated duck dressed in a miniature Mexico shirt and custom socks, has become an unexpected unofficial mascot for Mexico's World Cup team. After going viral during street celebrations, Merlin's popularity soared, with fans embracing the feathered supporter and his owner, Karla Gomez, expressing delight at his newfound fame.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre downplayed his team's achievement of topping their World Cup group, stating that true success would be measured later in the tournament. He highlighted the importance of playing at home and the team's improved maturity, while also reflecting on his own calmer coaching style. Aguirre expressed his ambition to guide Mexico into the world's top 10.
Thanks to major companies like Kia, Mexico has seen a huge influx of South Korean population in places like Monterrey, with Korean cuisine and K-Pop becoming major influences in the country.
Mexico celebrated a historic 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the World Cup at the Azteca stadium, breaking a seven-game opening day curse.
With Mariachi costumes, trumpets, and a sea of dark green support, Mexico City has opened the World Cup on Thursday, as fans packed the famous Azteca stadium ahead of the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, amid a backdrop of protests around the capital.
Mexico secured a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea in a Group A football match in Guadalajara. Luis Romo scored the decisive goal following a goalkeeping error, and Mexico's defence, backed by goalkeeper Ral Rangel's late saves, held firm against South Korean pressure.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos said his side are prepared to face Mexico's quality and home-crowd advantage in Thursday's World Cup opener.
Thousands of Colombian football fans transformed Mexico City into a vibrant yellow sea, celebrating their national team's 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their World Cup opener. The city's streets and restaurants buzzed with supporters enjoying Colombian food, music, and a strong cultural connection, making the Estadio Azteca feel like a home venue for the victorious team.
Thousands of people flooded one of the world's great urban boulevards on Saturday, attempting to set a world record for the Mexican wave - naturally, in the country that gave the beloved stadium ritual its name.
Mexico will kick off their home World Cup campaign against South Africa at the Estadio Azteca, carrying the pressure of fan expectations and a strong unbeaten run.
The smiling axolotl is everywhere at the World Cup in Mexico City. But behind the colorful murals and mascot statues lies a troubling reality: scientists say the critically endangered amphibian is becoming increasingly difficult to find in the wild.
Julian Quinones gave hosts Mexico a dream start as he scored in the ninth minute in the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match against South Africa.
Mexico defeated Ghana 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up match in Puebla, showcasing their form ahead of the tournament.
Across World Cup co-host Mexico, soccer pitches are laid out wherever communities can find the space. On the edges of towns, on highway underpasses, and even in a volcano crater, spaces are cleared that allow the young and the old to share in the dream of the beautiful game.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday her government agreed to allow the Iranian national football team to stay in Mexico during the World Cup, adding that the United States did not want to host the team.
Guillermo Ochoa said he has entered his final Mexico training camp as the veteran goalkeeper closes in on a historic sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026.
Iran's national soccer team will sleep in Mexico and travel to the US on the days of its three FIFA World Cup matches after Washington declined to host the squad for the tournament.
FIFA has announced that the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will feature separate opening ceremonies in each of the three countries. The ceremonies will feature a diverse lineup of musical performers and cultural showcases.
Before Diego Maradona's famous blue shirt became a $9.28 million auction item, it may have had a humbler beginning in Tepito, Mexico City's market district.
Despite the World Cup returning to their country for the first time in four decades, many in Mexico said they feel excluded, priced out of stadiums, forced to pay for expensive TV subscriptions and constrained by strict licensing rules.
With customers queued up and spilling onto the sidewalk at Cookieteria by Lovely, eager to grab fresh World Cup-themed conchas, baker Erika Lopez is worried about letting some down.
The World Cup began with exciting victories for Mexico and South Korea, who secured three points each in their opening matches. Fans played a crucial role in creating a vibrant atmosphere, making the first day a memorable spectacle.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 got underway in Mexico on Thursday with Colombian superstar Shakira performing the official World Cup song Dai Dai in a spectacular opening ceremony.
Mexico's national football team secured a significant 2-0 victory over South Africa in their World Cup opening match at the Azteca Stadium. Midfielder Erik Lira expressed confidence, stating 'the sky is the limit' for the team, despite the emotionally challenging game which saw a record three red cards.
The FIFA Fan Festival in Toronto was cancelled due to lightning risk, disappointing fans on the eve of Canada's first World Cup game.
South Africa will look to bounce after a 2-0 loss to co-hosts Mexico in their opening FIFA World Cup match.
US President Donald Trump will be on hand to present the World Cup final trophy on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday.
Colombian superstar Shakira is set to perform the official World Cup song 'Dai Dai' at the opening ceremony in Mexico City, joined by Burna Boy, J Balvin, and Tyla.
Iran's soccer team arrived in the United States for the first time at this World Cup on Sunday, landing at Los Angeles International Airport and holding a press conference on the same day that a peace deal between the two nations was announced.
US president Donald Trump in recent weeks has renewed threats to make Canada the 51st US state, and said he might not renew the trilateral trade agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico -- the co-hosts of this year's World Cup.
'Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality'
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said travel restrictions and visa-related disruptions hampered his team's World Cup preparations after a 2-2 draw with New Zealand, claiming Iran had become the tournament's "most oppressed" side.
Mexico have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 for the last 32 years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, they hope to finally end the 'quinto partido' curse.
Iran's World Cup team conducted open training in Tijuana, Mexico, after relocating their base camp due to geopolitical tensions.
>Mexican star Raul Jimenez delivered a powerful and emotional performance in the 2026 World Cup opener, scoring a crucial goal against South Africa.
Yasin Ayari -- the son of a Tunisian father and a Moroccan mother -- chose not to celebrate his opener, briefly raising his hands in acknowledgement rather than joining the jubilant scenes around him.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already seen eight red cards, matching the combined total of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. This surge in dismissals, including six straight red cards, highlights a significant increase in disciplinary actions compared to recent editions, with Belgium's Nathan Ngoy being the latest player sent off.
Japan v Tunisia marks 1,000th FIFA World Cup match
South Africa scored a penalty seven minutes from fulltime as they fought back to draw 1-1 with the Czechia at the World Cup on Thursday after falling behind early in the Group A clash.
