Overview
- Fox Sports and job site Indeed hired Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto as “Chief World Cup Watchers” and will pay each of them US$50,000 to watch all 104 matches.
- The role requires the pair to watch every match live from a custom-built transparent cube in Times Square and to produce interactive social content across the 39-day tournament.
- Their live duties began on June 11 when they watched the opening game from the cube and drew crowds and viral videos of onlookers peering into the glass.
- Fox opened a U.S. application on May 5, closed it on May 17 and announced winners on June 8; the broadcaster said it chose two people instead of one after an overwhelming response.
- Organizers say the stunt is meant to drive fans to Fox One and social feeds during the expanded 48-team, 104-match 2026 World Cup and to turn influencer content into a visible marketing spectacle.