Dream Job! Two Football Fans Get Paid ₹43 Lakh To Watch Every FIFA World Cup Match

For most football fans, watching every FIFA World Cup match sounds like a dream. For two lucky football lovers in the United States, that dream has become a full-time job-and it comes with a hefty paycheck.

Kevin Akoto and Austin Franklin have been hired as Fox One's "Chief World Cup Watchers", earning USD 50,000 (around ₹43 lakh) each to watch all 104 matches of the FIFA World Cup while creating content for football fans around the world.

With six matches taking place almost every day during the group stage, the tournament has become a marathon for viewers. But for Kevin and Austin, watching football is now officially part of their job description.

A Glass Viewing Booth in the Heart of Times Square

The two football fans spend their workdays inside a specially designed glass viewing booth located in New York City's famous Times Square.

The setup has been designed to resemble the ultimate football fan's dream room. It includes comfortable recliner chairs, a leather sofa, giant television screens, a foosball table, football merchandise and unlimited snacks.

The transparent booth also allows visitors and football fans walking through Times Square to watch the pair as they enjoy the matches.

Kevin, who previously worked as a line cook in Florida, described the experience as something every football fan would dream about.

"It's like every 20-year-old football fan's dream," he said.

Selected From Thousands of Applicants

Kevin and Austin did not land the opportunity by chance.

The duo beat thousands of applicants to secure the unique role. Besides watching every World Cup game, they are also responsible for creating videos, sharing match reactions and interacting with football supporters online.

Austin Franklin, an influencer from Philadelphia, said the job is exciting but also much more demanding than people imagine.

Watching Football All Day Isn't Always Easy

Although the job sounds perfect, both admit that watching every match has been physically and mentally exhausting. With six matches scheduled almost daily, the football action continues for long hours without many breaks.

Kevin said both of them have started feeling tired as the tournament progresses.
Austin compared the experience to attending a summer camp where every day begins to feel the same.

He explained that while sitting on a sofa watching football sounds easy, the nonstop schedule makes it a real endurance test. To stay fresh, both ensure they get enough sleep after each day's work.

Fortunately, they are not required to stay overnight in the Times Square booth and return home after completing their shifts.

Witnessing Historic Moments Live

One of the biggest advantages of the job is getting a front-row seat to football history.
The pair have already witnessed several memorable moments during the tournament, including Lionel Messi breaking the all-time World Cup scoring record.

To make the experience even more special, organisers serve food inspired by the countries playing each day. Kevin and Austin were enjoying traditional Argentine barbecue while watching Messi create history.

Meeting Football Fans From Around the World

Beyond the matches themselves, both say interacting with supporters from different countries has become one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

Times Square has turned into a major gathering point for football fans during the World Cup. Brazilian supporters filled the streets with celebrations, while Norwegian fans entertained crowds by performing their famous Viking rowing chant.

Austin said he often becomes so engrossed in the matches that he forgets hundreds of people are watching him from outside the glass booth.

The opportunity has also allowed the pair to learn about different football cultures and meet fans from across the globe.

Who Do They Think Will Lift the Trophy?

Like millions of football fans, Kevin and Austin also have their own World Cup predictions.
Kevin believes Spain has the strongest chance of winning the tournament, although he personally supports both the United States and Ghana because of his family roots.

Austin, meanwhile, is backing Norway. He says the team's performances and the form of star striker Erling Haaland have convinced him they could surprise everyone and lift the trophy.

Not Everyone Wants Their Job

While many football fans would happily trade places with Kevin and Austin, some visitors in Times Square feel differently.

Norwegian supporter Eimund Liland and his daughter Camille said watching all 104 matches without much privacy might actually become overwhelming.
Another football fan, Matthew Mendez, felt the World Cup is best enjoyed with friends and family rather than spending every match inside a public glass booth.