Two soccer fans are being paid $50,000 [1] to live in a glass booth in Times Square and watch every match of the 2026 World Cup [1].

This arrangement transforms passive sports viewership into a public performance, highlighting the intersection of corporate recruitment and digital content creation during one of the world's largest sporting events.

Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto were selected for the campaign, which is a joint effort between the employment portal Indeed and the network Fox Sports [1]. The pair must watch a total of 104 matches [1] while residing in the transparent structure located in New York City. Their primary responsibility is to generate fan-centric content for the organizers throughout the tournament [2].

The project has drawn significant public attention, with crowds frequently gathering in Times Square to observe the two men in their living quarters [2]. The campaign utilizes the high visibility of the Manhattan landmark to promote the brands involved, while documenting the endurance and emotional reactions of the fans.

While the $50,000 [1] payment has sparked conversation online, it is distinct from other financial reports involving the tournament. Some reports mentioned a separate payment of $50,000 to official Omar Artán from a local businessman, but that instance is unrelated to the promotional campaign by Indeed and Fox Sports [3].

The 2026 World Cup, which runs from April through June 2026 [2], represents a massive scale of competition. By requiring the duo to view all 104 games [1], the organizers have created a physical manifestation of the tournament's grueling schedule for the participants.

“Two fans are being paid $50,000 to live in a glass booth in Times Square.”

This campaign reflects a growing trend of 'experiential marketing' where brands pay individuals to live out exaggerated versions of fan desires. By partnering a job site like Indeed with a sports broadcaster, the organizers are leveraging the World Cup's cultural gravity to associate their brands with passion and exclusivity, effectively turning human endurance into a promotional asset.