For any soccer lover, the idea of spending weeks watching every minute of World Cup matches sounds like a dream. But for Austin Franklin and Kevin Akoto, that fantasy has become a very real—and very public—reality. The two fans are living inside a glass cube in the heart of Times Square, watching all 104 matches of the tournament. And they're getting paid $50,000 each for the experience.
The cube, a partnership between Fox One and the job platform Indeed, was originally advertised as a unique job posting. Now it's turned into a media spectacle, with thousands of tourists stopping daily to watch Austin and Kevin eat snacks, cheer for goals, and live out their soccer passion from a transparent living room.
A Surreal Life in the Spotlight
Living under constant observation might seem unbearable, but both men have adapted with humor and ease. Kevin Akoto, originally from Florida, jokes that he now feels a new empathy for animals in zoos. Austin Franklin, meanwhile, says he sometimes forgets that crowds are watching him. The forced cohabitation, which began between two strangers, has created a genuine camaraderie, enriched by celebrity visits and the immediate connection they've built with the thousands of FIFA World Cup fans who celebrate near their glass structure.
For Akoto, the experience has also sparked new sporting loyalties. He recalls vibrating with unexpected triumphs like Paraguay over Germany—a moment made doubly special by the reactions of passersby who celebrate the goals almost as much as he does from the other side of the glass.
Connecting with Global Passion
The most rewarding part of this lockdown in Times Square, according to the participants, is the chance to absorb the energy of fans traveling from every corner of the world. Franklin fondly remembers how, after a chance encounter with Brazil supporters, he was adopted by the local torcida, receiving flags and jerseys as a sign of brotherhood that transcends any cultural barrier.
As the competition reaches its final stage, these two men continue to prove that, regardless of the place or the circumstances, the magic of World Cup fans always finds a way to turn any space into a stadium full of emotion. For a deeper look at how Latin American teams are faring, check out our coverage of the 2026 World Cup Round of 16.
The cube has also drawn attention from celebrities and media, making it a must-see stop in New York. While some might call it madness, Austin and Kevin see it as the opportunity of a lifetime—one that lets them live out their soccer dreams while earning a paycheck. And with the tournament nearing its climax, the energy around their glass home only continues to grow.
