As World Cup fever sweeps Mexico City, one of the tournament’s biggest fan favourites isn’t a player, coach or official mascot.

Joining Merlin the duck in the pantheon of heart-stealers is Osito, an eight-year-old rescue poodle mix who's become an unlikely sensation after arriving at Mexico’s opening match perched on the back of a cargo bicycle, dressed in a Mexico jersey, sunglasses and a cap. As thousands of fans streamed toward the stadium for the tournament opener, many stopped to snap photos, pet the dog and post videos online. Within hours, Osito was appearing on international broadcasts and spreading across social media, transforming the bicycle-riding dog into one of the World Cup’s most charming viral stars.

For his owner, Jorge Rangel, the attention is less about Internet fame than the companionship he shares with the dog who accompanies him almost everywhere. For the past two years, Osito has joined Rangel on his daily rounds delivering household products across Mexico City.