Despite Ricardo Salinas Pliego’s announcement that he would take Merlín the Duck’s family to the Mexico vs. Czech Republic game, the mascot’s owner confirmed that Televisa will be the one accompanying them to the match.

Karla Ivette Gómez, Merlín’s owner, told RÉCORD that they will attend the game with Televisa, not TV Azteca, contradicting earlier claims by Salinas Pliego on social media platform X. She did not provide specific reasons for the decision but was clear: “We’re going with Televisa.”

This match, held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, is significant as the Mexican national team aims for a historic third consecutive win. Prior to this, rumors circulated that FIFA protocols might prevent Merlín from entering the Estadio Ciudad de México, but Karla dismissed those claims, stating, “Of course not—there’s no impediment. The company taking us is Televisa.”

When asked about Salinas Pliego’s involvement, she reiterated, “No, it’s going to be Televisa taking us to the World Cup on Wednesday.”

This situation highlights the ongoing media rivalry in Mexico’s sports broadcasting landscape, with Televisa securing a unique cultural icon like Merlín for this important event. For fans and migrants following the World Cup from abroad, it’s a reminder of how media and sports intersect in shaping national pride and community experiences.