Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Breaking News

Fans get paid to watch every game of World Cup in New York

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 10:22 PM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

Fans get paid to watch every game of World Cup in New York

Summary

Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto are being paid $50,000 to watch every World Cup game from a studio in Times Square, New York. The two fans were selected from thousands of applicants to serve as 'chief World Cup watchers' for the tournament hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Their temporary studio features glass walls, a foosball table, and vibrant decorations representing national teams. Franklin and Akoto are enjoying their unique experience, engaging with enthusiastic fans outside their studio during the tournament, which spans 39 days. Their schedule includes watching all 104 matches, generating excitement around the event, with highlights from lively fan interactions.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Latest Updates

•Franklin and Akoto watch all 104 World Cup games.
•The role is based in Times Square, New York City.
•The job is designed to create buzz for the tournament.
•Franklin and Akoto are selected from thousands of applicants.
•Their contract is for a total of $50,000.

Latest Updates

10:22 PMYahoo Sports — Dream job: US soccer fans paid to watch every World Cup game

What they're saying

"
It might just be the greatest job in the world.Akoto quit his job and broke up with his partner to take up the "chief World Cup watcher" role, meant to generate excitement around the once-every-four-years event being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer