It's the ultimate fantasy for any football fanatic: getting paid to watch every single World Cup match. But for Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto, the reality of being FOX Sports's 'Chief World Cup Watchers' from a glass cube in Times Square is far more demanding than it appears, blurring the lines between dream job and relentless grind.
Key Points:
- Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto are tasked with watching all 104 World Cup matches over 39 days from a glass cube in Times Square, New York City.
- Their role extends beyond mere viewing; they are dynamic content creators and crowd hype-men for FOX Sports, making the experience immersive for thousands of fans.
- Despite the plush setup inside the cube, challenges like sleep deprivation, constant performance, and the absence of a bathroom are part of their daily reality.
- The duo embodies the unifying spirit of the World Cup, fostering a unique global fan community right in the heart of NYC.
The Ultimate Football Fan Gig?
Imagine a job where your primary responsibility is to immerse yourself in the biggest sporting spectacle on Earth. This is the incredible, yet intensely challenging, role that Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto have embraced. Positioned prominently within a custom-built glass enclosure in Times Square, these two superfans are living out a high-stakes football marathon.
Their mission from FOX Sports isn't just about passively observing. It’s about becoming the living embodiment of fan passion, igniting the energy of the diverse crowds that gather in New York City to celebrate the beautiful game. They are performers, analysts, and community builders, all wrapped into one non-stop World Cup experience.
From Social Stars to Soccer Ambassadors
Franklin, a Philadelphia-based content creator, boasts over 20,000 Instagram followers and more than 200,000 on TikTok. Akoto, hailing from Florida, also commands a significant online presence with nearly 168,000 TikTok followers. Their impressive digital footprints, coupled with an undeniable passion for football, made them ideal candidates for this demanding gig.
FOX Sports specifically selected them for their ability to capture global football culture in real time, turning raw fan emotion into shareable content that resonates across social platforms. In a tournament built on atmosphere as much as action, their role goes beyond commentary—they are effectively bridging the gap between stadium energy and online fandom.
Turning Fandom into Viral Content
What sets the duo apart is how naturally they translate matchday moments into digital storytelling. From spontaneous celebrations in Times Square to creative crowd interactions, their content reflects the unpredictability and emotion of a World Cup lived in public view. One standout moment saw Franklin drape the Norwegian flag over a Times Square statue, instantly striking a chord with travelling supporters and online audiences alike.
Another viral clip featured a yoga session unfolding in the middle of Times Square while the Viking Army drummed in the background, pulling in millions of views. It is this blend of chaos, humour and authenticity that has made them one of the most recognizable fan-driven presences at the tournament.
Life Inside the FOX “Fan Cube”
Behind the viral clips, however, life in the FOX setup is far from glamorous. The pair operate out of a large glass “fan cube” in Times Square—more studio than home—while staying in a nearby hotel arranged by FOX Sports.
The space itself is built for entertainment rather than comfort. With large screens, reclining sofas, a foosball table and a steady supply of snacks and drinks, it is designed to keep energy levels high throughout the day. But there are no proper meal facilities, and even more notably, no bathroom—forcing frequent runs into nearby buildings during long matchdays.
High Energy, Low Sleep, Constant Content
Despite the challenges, the duo thrives on the intensity. Long nights, early kickoffs and nonstop matches have turned sleep into a luxury, but also into part of the lifestyle that fuels their content. The most chaotic matches often produce the best reactions, and those moments have become their creative currency.
Whether it is celebrating last-minute goals or keeping energy alive during quieter fixtures, their mission remains the same: keep fans engaged, entertained and connected to the World Cup experience. In a tournament defined by global storytelling, FOX Sports’ unconventional choice has quickly become one of its most effective digital success stories.
