The FIFA World Cup has been underway for less than 24 hours, but the internet has already found its star.
Not a striker. Not a goalie. Not one of the many celebrities participating in the tournament.
duck.
After Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa on the opening day, social media users quickly became obsessed with videos of Ducks toddling through crowds in Mexico City wearing tiny Mexico jerseys. (No, it’s not AI.) In a tournament known for producing unforgettable moments, the bird’s appearance quickly put it in unlikely places in online conversations.
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The clip went viral on social media, with fans naming the feathered supporter everything from “Mexico’s most famous duck” to the tournament’s MVP. It’s hard to argue with the Ducks’ track record so far, considering El Tri opened the World Cup with a win.
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The little jersey-wearing mascot appeared in the midst of a day of celebrations that went far beyond the action on the pitch. As Mexican supporters flooded the streets after the victory, videos of fans from each country celebrating together quickly became some of the most wholesome moments of the tournament.
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Videos circulating online showed Mexican fans welcoming South Korean supporters with BTS chants, an impromptu rendition of “Gangnam Style” and copious amounts of tequila. In one viral video, fans from both countries were seen hoisting shots together, turning a World Cup match into an international friendly summit.
Overall, the atmosphere was unbeatable.
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The cultural exchange between Mexico and South Korea also spawned the first World Cup meme featuring South Korean fans wearing sombreros.
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The friendship between Korea and Mexico was not limited to the stands. At the tournament’s opening ceremony, EJAE, singer of KPop Demon Hunters’ Oscar-winning hit song “Golden,” performed the World Cup anthem “DNA” with Italian singer Andrea Bocelli.
That’s one of the reasons why the World Cup remains special as an online event. Every tournament produces highlights and heartbreaks, but also viral side stories that stand on their own. Sometimes it’s the fans. Sometimes there are celebrations. And sometimes it’s a duck wearing a soccer (sorry, football) jersey.
With the match still running for more than a month, the internet will almost certainly find new heroes. But for now, the World Cup belongs to one very fashionable duck.
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Viral Video FIFA World Cup
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