The dream job is real: Meet Kevin and Austin - who are getting $50,000 to watch every World Cup match

With six fixtures scheduled daily through the end of the group stage, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup has quietly become a full-time commitment.

For two young Americans, that commitment is literally written into their job description. Kevin Akoto and Austin Franklin have been selected as FOX One's "Chief World Cup Watchers", each earning $50,000 to watch all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live from a custom-built viewing cube in the heart of Times Square, reports BBC.

Their workspace is difficult to miss. The custom-built glass cubicle, positioned in the middle of Times Square, is equipped with recliners, a matching brown leather sofa, two large-screen televisions and a foosball table; along with football merchandise and snacks befitting any serious fan's setup.

"It's like any 20-year-old's imagination, if you could put anything in here, this is what you'd put in as a soccer fan," Kevin said.

Both Franklin and Akoto are TikTok influencers with considerable followings , Franklin with 205,300 followers and Akoto with 167,000 ; who beat out thousands of applicants for the role.

Their responsibilities extend well beyond passive viewing, the two are expected to react, engage fans gathering in Times Square and make the viewing experience feel more immersive, making this as much a performance as a personal pleasure. Several weeks into a 39-day marathon, both men admit that the fatigue is real. "I've gotten worn down, Austin's gotten a bit worn down, so just learning to keep up with everything going on," Kevin said.

Austin agrees, comparing the experience to summer camp. "It is a total marathon. It's a relatively easy job, I'm sitting on a couch watching football, but it has been tiresome and I'm making sure I'm getting my eight hours when I can."

Fortunately, neither man is required to sleep inside the cube. Both are staying at a nearby hotel and commute into Times Square each day.

They have built sleep schedules and workout routines around the fixture list, while also finding time to film, edit and post social media content throughout the tournament.

The role has already delivered some genuinely historic moments. The pair witnessed Lionel Messi break the all-time World Cup scoring record while dining on Argentinian barbecue – one of the perks being that food inspired by each competing nation is served to them inside the cube.

"The craziest part of it is how frequently I forget that I'm in Times Square with people watching me. I'll be watching a match for 10, 15 minutes and get sucked into it and I look to my right and see Kevin and see all these people walking around Times Square and you totally forget."

As for predictions, Kevin is backing Spain to lift the trophy, though he is personally rooting for the United States and Ghana – the country that first introduced him to football during a family trip. Austin has been wearing Norway's jersey, motivated less by personal loyalty and more by the performances of the team and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. He said, "I think it's an easy pick to say, oh Spain will win or France, and I think Norway is right on the cusp. And if the chips fall where they may, I could totally see them bringing it home."