The first round of World Cup matches has produced some eye-catching results on pitch, with several underdogs holding their own against heavyweights.

Off the pitch, fans gathering in North America have also created viral moments that have gained attention worldwide.

Here are some of them.

As thousands of Mexican fans thronged the streets following the co-host nation’s opening 2-0 victory over South Africa on June 11, one stood out in particular as he waddled around.

That fan was Merlin, a two-year-old duck that has become an internet sensation after he was filmed, decked out in Mexico’s home jersey and shoes, nonchalantly walking alongside his owners.

A video of Merlin on X has over five million views, with netizens gushing over him.

X user Vasanth Seshadri, said: “If it looks like a fan, walks like a fan, and quacks like a fan, it’s a fan.”

On Reddit, user LordVelaryon suggested: “Play him as winger.”

Speaking to ESPN Mexico, Merlin’s owner Carla Gomez said she trained Merlin to follow her and her son Cristian with a harness and that she bought Merlin’s jersey from someone who sells clothes for animals.

People have offered to buy the duck off her, but she has rejected all of them.

“He is the boss of the business,” she said, referring to her cart from which she sells water and soft drinks on weekends.

Japanese fans are no strangers to grabbing headlines during the World Cup. They have made headlines regularly for helping to