World Cup 2026: The job every football fanatic would want in New York

Two young Americans are living the dream of many football fans, getting paid $50,000 to watch every single match of the 2026 World Cup from a unique studio in the heart of New York City's Times Square.

Austin Franklin, 29, and Kevin Akoto, 26, were selected by Fox, one of the tournament's US broadcasters, after a rigorous selection process that saw thousands of fans submit video applications for the unusual role of "chief viewer."

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The employer took it well, the other person a little less, but hey.

Akoto described making significant personal sacrifices, including quitting his job and ending a relationship, to take on the demanding schedule. Despite the intensity, both Franklin and Akoto report not tiring of watching the games on large television screens within their specially designed studio, which features synthetic turf and decorated walls showcasing team scarves.

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There is a special energy around a World Cup organized in your country.

Franklin, from Massachusetts, expressed excitement about the energy surrounding a World Cup hosted in the United States and is optimistic about the US team's performance. Akoto, from Florida, offers a more pessimistic outlook but believes their differing personalities create a positive dynamic during the long workdays. They acknowledge that not all matches are entertaining, with some being a "torment," but the thrill of others, like Portugal's 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan where Cristiano Ronaldo scored, makes the experience worthwhile.

Their unique job has turned them into an attraction themselves, with hundreds of fans stopping daily to watch them watch the games and share their passion for football. One particularly memorable moment involved a crowd of Brazilian fans surrounding the studio to celebrate with them, an experience Franklin described as unforgettable.

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Obviously, some games are a torment.