Kevin Akoto and Austin Franklin landed one of the most talked-about jobs of the 2026 World Cup. Both were chosen as Fox One’s Chief World Cup Watchers and received $50,000 each to watch every match of the tournament from the start through the final.
The 2 fans spent the World Cup days inside a glass-walled booth in Times Square, New York. From there, they watched the 104 matches, commented on plays, posted content on social media, and spoke with fans who came over to watch.
The scene seems like a dream for any soccer lover, but it also requires endurance. Watching every match means hours in front of screens, an intense schedule, and constant exposure. Even so, Akoto and Franklin said they would do it again if the World Cup expanded even further.
