Two individuals were selected by Fox Sports, Fox One and Indeed to serve as the “Jefe de Seguimiento de la Copa Mundial de Fox One,” a unique role that pays 50,000 euros for the duration of the tournament. Kevin Akoto, a cook from Florida, and Austin Franklin, a content creator from Philadelphia, were chosen from thousands of applicants to watch every match of the World Cup from a custom-built glass studio in New York City’s Times Square.
The Selection and Role Requirements
The campaign, launched in May by Fox Sports, Fox One and Indeed, sought candidates capable of maintaining high energy while monitoring every minute of the tournament. The successful applicants were tasked with three primary responsibilities: watching every minute of the Fox Sports broadcasts of every World Cup match, serving as a reference figure for fans to interact with at a viewing party in Times Square, and producing social media content that reflects their expertise and engagement with the tournament.
While the initial call for applications suggested a single hire, the network ultimately selected two individuals to share the responsibilities. The schedule is demanding; with the tournament featuring up to six matches per day during the group stages, the position requires full-time commitment across the 39-day event.
Life Inside the Times Square Studio
The pair operates from a specially constructed glass cabin positioned in Times Square. The studio is designed to mimic an ideal fan’s living room, featuring reclining chairs, a brown leather sofa, multiple large-screen televisions, and a foosball table. The space is stocked with various amenities and food items, providing a simulated home-viewing environment that allows passersby to observe the duo in real-time.
Regarding the nature of the job, Akoto noted the physical and mental toll of the assignment. “It’s like a twenty-something’s fantasy,” Akoto told the BBC. “It’s a real marathon. It’s a relatively easy job because I’m sitting on a sofa watching soccer, but it’s also exhausting. I’m trying to make sure I get my eight hours of sleep whenever I can.”
Despite the high-profile location, the job does not require the pair to reside in the studio overnight. At the end of each broadcast day, they are permitted to leave to rest and recharge before the next round of matches.
Expertise and Tournament Predictions
Beyond the logistical requirements, the role involves providing commentary and analysis for the audience. The two creators have already observed significant tournament milestones, including witnessing Lionel Messi become the top scorer in World Cup history while sampling cuisine representative of the competing nations—a benefit of the role that connects them to the global nature of the competition.
When asked for their predictions on the tournament outcome, the two offered differing perspectives. Akoto has expressed support for Spain, while also maintaining an interest in the performance of the United States and Ghana due to his family heritage. Franklin, meanwhile, has publicly championed Norway. Franklin pointed to the high level of play displayed by the team and forward Erling Haaland as reasons for his prediction. “It’s easy to say Spain or France will win, but I think Norway is very close to making the leap,” Franklin stated.
Tournament Context and Next Steps
The World Cup continues to move through its stages, with the intensity of the schedule remaining a focal point for both the organizers and the participants. For the two, the remainder of the tournament involves maintaining their pace of content creation and fan engagement as the competition approaches the knockout rounds.
Fans interested in following their progress or interacting with the ongoing coverage in Times Square can track the tournament schedule through official Fox Sports broadcasts.
