Merlin the duck faces an impediment to enter the stadium

The famous duck was invited to a match, but stadium and FIFA rules prevent it.

Merlin the duck, the most viral mascot of the 2026 World Cup, received an invitation from Banco Azteca to watch the Mexico vs Czechia match from the Azteca Tribune. However, the regulations of the Mexico City Stadium prohibit the access of animals of any species.

The regulatory dilemma

The stadium security standard applies to mass events. In addition, the FIFA Code of Conduct also restricts the entry of wildlife, with exceptions only for assistance animals such as guide dogs. Merlin’s presence would require an extraordinary authorization that has not yet been confirmed.

RelatedMerlin the duck, from viral to official ambassador of CDMX for 2026

While the mystery is resolved, their owners will be able to attend, included in the World Cup courtesy. The Peking breed bird became famous when it appeared with the Tricolor shirt at the Angel of Independence and was named ambassador of Mexico City. His popularity grew rapidly during the World Cup, making him a social media phenomenon. The invitation from Banco Azteca was a symbolic gesture, but the reality of the regulations could prevent access.

IMSS and Fonacot update agreement to improve services for workers

IMSS and Fonacot renew their alliance until 2030 to streamline procedures and protect labor rights.

Strategic alliance for labor rights

The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the National Fund for Workers’ Consumption (Fonacot) signed a collaboration agreement that updates their exchange of information and services. The objective: respond to the current operational, technological and regulatory needs of both agencies.

The agreement was signed by Wendolyne Retana Alarcón, general director of Fonacot, and Luisa Obrador Garrido Cuesta, director of Incorporation and Collection of the IMSS. It will be valid until September 30, 2030, with the possibility of extending it for two more years.

The relationship between both institutions dates back to 2007. Since then they have maintained a constant flow of data to facilitate procedures and guarantee better credit and social security conditions for working people.

With this update, the aim is to streamline processes, reduce response times and strengthen the protection of the rights of the country’s formal workers.

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Energía Costa Azul makes first shipment of LNG in the Pacific

First shipment of liquefied natural gas from the Mexican Pacific marks an energy milestone.

The Energía Costa Azul project, in Ensenada, Baja California, completed the first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Mexican Pacific coast. The Sempra Infrastructure company confirmed that the shipment is part of the tests prior to the start of commercial operations.

International context

This movement occurs in a context of high demand for energy security. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global LNG trade passes, have accelerated the search for new supply routes.

Strategic advantage

Sempra Infrastructure noted that phase 1 of the project will connect North American gas with Asian markets, taking advantage of the strategic location of the Mexican Pacific coast. Researcher Adrián Duhalt highlighted that the proximity to the gas-producing basins of the United States represents a competitive advantage for Mexico.

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Mexico pressures the US over the death of a migrant at the hands of ICE

Mexico demands investigation after death of compatriot at the hands of ICE.

The Mexican ambassador to the United States, Roberto Lazzeri, confirmed that the diplomatic representation will accompany the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican citizen who died after being shot by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE).

What actions will Mexico take?

Lazzeri announced that all available resources will be used to demand a serious and transparent investigation. The case joins a list of 17 Mexicans deceased in events linked to ICE operations or in immigration detention centers.

On instructions from President Claudia Sheinbaum and Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco, the Embassy in Washington and the Consulate in Houston will meet with US authorities: Department of State, Department of Homeland Security and ICE itself.

Meeting details

Mexico will request a detailed review of what happened and the implementation of clear protocols to prevent similar events from being repeated. “We do not seek to question the right of the United States to apply its laws, but rather to guarantee respect for life and human dignity,” Lazzeri said.

The diplomat reiterated that Mexico will maintain a firm stance in the defense of its compatriots in US territory.

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