Duo Begins Once-in-a-Lifetime Assignment in Custom-Built Times Square Viewing Cube on Thursday, June 11 Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™ Opening Match
Watch the Announcement Video HERE
LOS ANGELES — June 8, 2026 — FOX One, FOX Sports and Indeed today announced that Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto have officially been selected as the FOX One Chief World Cup Watchers hired through Indeed, earning the opportunity of a lifetime – each getting paid $50,000 to watch every match of FIFA World Cup 2026™ live from a custom-built viewing cube in the heart of Times Square.
Avid soccer fans Austin and Kevin stood out for their passion for the game, content creation skills and ability to bring fans together around the world’s biggest sporting event.
“Following an overwhelming response from fans nationwide, we couldn’t select just a single watcher," said Brian Borkowski, Chief Marketing Officer, FOX Direct to Consumer. “This role is all about the fans — and bringing them closer to the action wherever they are. From the cube to social feeds across the country, Austin and Kevin will help connect millions of people through every unforgettable moment of this historic tournament.”
The search for these specialized hires was powered exclusively through Indeed. Leveraging the platform's advanced matching technology, FOX One and FOX Sports were able to find the perfect fits from a pool of thousands of hopeful applicants. The campaign highlights Indeed’s ongoing commitment to connecting job seekers with roles that match their unique skills and passions.
“With such a unique, high-energy role, we are thrilled that Austin and Kevin's creative skills stood out so clearly,” said Jennifer Warren, VP of Global Marketing at Indeed. “In a market that can feel pretty impersonal, this is a reminder that jobs need people, and we're here to help employers and talent truly see each other.”
As the FOX One Chief World Cup Watchers, Austin and Kevin will watch all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches live in 4K on FOX One while creating social content, sharing reactions and engaging with fans throughout the tournament.
Their first official day inside the custom-built Times Square viewing cube will be Thursday, June 11, coinciding with the opening day of FIFA World Cup 2026™. The tournament begins with the Opening Ceremony and opening match featuring Mexico vs. South Africa live from Mexico City on FOX with coverage starting at 1:00 PM ET.
“It still feels pretty surreal,” said Austin Franklin. “Being able to watch every World Cup match and share those moments with fans everywhere from Times Square is a dream. I’m so excited to bring fans along for every moment of it.”
"To call this a dream job almost feels like an understatement," said Kevin Akoto. "Getting a front-row seat to all the matches from what might be the ultimate World Cup watch party is unbelievable. I can't wait to get started."
Fans can stay tuned to Austin and Kevin’s social accounts in addition to FOX One, FOX Soccer and Indeed across social platforms for exclusive behind-the-scenes content in the lead-up to the opening match, including preparations, first reactions and a front-row look at what it takes to become the ultimate FOX One Chief World Cup Watcher.
The reveal video features actor Keyla Monterroso Mejia and was produced by Shadow Lion.
Get to Know the FOX One Chief World Cup Watchers:
Austin Franklin
Hometown: Dartmouth, MA
Current Occupation: Full time content creator
Education: MFA in Writing for Film and Television, Emerson College, BA Emerson College
Who are you rooting for this World Cup? USA
Why did you apply to be FOX One’s Chief World Cup Watcher? I figured I was going to watch every single game anyway, so what better place to watch it than Times Square?
What’s your relationship with soccer? Like most kids in America, I grew up playing soccer. I learned from my dad, who played NCAA soccer and lacrosse at Roanoke College. Quickly, we realized my talents aligned elsewhere, and dove into the world of lacrosse. I went on to play NCAA lacrosse at Emerson College as a 3-year captain. In terms of soccer, my girlfriend’s family pulled me into their world of soccer and quickly converted me to a fan of the USWNT, USMNT, KIF Örebro, Angel City FC and the recent champions, Arsenal.
What are your interests besides sports? Outside of waking up to watch 4 AM European soccer, I am also interested in comedy, writing for film and television, and spending time with my girlfriend, family and friends.
Kevin Akoto
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Current Occupation: Content Creator
Education: B.S. Communication, University of North Florida
Who are you rooting for this World Cup? USA!
Why did you apply to be the Chief World Cup Watcher? I wanted to be in the heart of all the action & help create content to hype up the first World Cup hosted in the U.S. in over 30 years!
What’s your relationship with soccer? I grew not knowing much about the sport until a family trip to Ghana introduced me to the game on a global scale. Even though Ghana wasn’t the host country, to see the pride of the people as they supported their team was something that not only fueled my love for the game, but sports as whole; that trip laid the foundation for me becoming a sports content creator and I didn’t even know it!
What are your interests besides sports? Movies, TV, music… pop culture in general!
About FOX One
FOX One is Fox Corporation’s wholly-owned, direct to consumer streaming service, bringing together the thrill of live streaming and the bold, trusted voices that define the full portfolio of FOX brands, including FOX News Channel, FOX Sports, the FOX Network, FOX Business, FOX Weather, FS1, FS2, FOX Deportes, Big Ten Network, FOX Local Stations and FOX Nation through the bundle. FOX One is designed to cater to cord-cutters and cord-nevers, delivering FOX's content directly to audiences wherever they are and allowing them to watch how and when they want. Utilizing the technological innovations of Tubi Media Group, FOX One leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the user experience, help audiences discover and enjoy content and easily integrate live and on-demand content.
About FOX Sports
FOX Sports is the umbrella entity representing Fox Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, the business has ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing relationships. FOX Sports includes the sports television arm of the FOX Network; FS1, FS2, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes. FOX Sports’ digital properties include the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com, which provides instant scores, stats and stories from across the sports world. Live streaming video of FOX Sports content is available via FOX One, Fox Corporation’s wholly owned, direct to consumer streaming service. Also included in FOX Sports’ portfolio are FOX’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network and the UFL and a licensing agreement that established the FOX Sports Radio Network.
About Indeed
More people get jobs on Indeed than anywhere else. As the world’s #1 job site (Comscore, Total Visits, March 2026), Indeed is a global hiring platform connecting over 665 million Job Seeker Profiles with 3.5 million employers across more than 60 countries. Indeed uses AI and real-time data to match people with relevant opportunities and help employers hire faster.
With platforms including Glassdoor and Indeed Flex, Indeed is reshaping how people discover jobs, research companies, and access flexible work. Indeed is a subsidiary of Recruit Holdings, a global leader in HR technology and business solutions dedicated to simplifying hiring and transforming the world of work.
Media Contacts:
FOX Sports
Eric Esteban
Eric.Esteban@fox.com
Indeed
Becky Auslander
bauslander@contractor.indeed.com