Merlín, a duck who became a folk hero during the World Cup, is allowed onto the grounds of Mexico City's Azteca Stadium for a Televisa segment but is barred from attending Mexico's match against the Czech Republic under FIFA rules that prohibit animals inside venues.Under tight security Merlín travels in a transport crate with owner Carla Gómez and her son Cristian Gómez, draws crowds, dons a Mexico jersey and appears on television and social media, and met President Claudia Sheinbaum at the presidential palace.Carla Gómez says
Merlín is a lucky charm and the family will watch the match from outside the stadium while
FIFA and stadium staff stress animal-welfare and crowd-safety enforcement.