Zee5 Faces Backlash Over World Cup 2026 Streaming Device Limit in India

As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Indian football enthusiasts initially celebrated the news that Zee Entertainment had secured the broadcasting and live-streaming rights for the tournament. This announcement, made via its Zee5 platform, was met with widespread relief, as it ended uncertainty over how fans in India would watch the expanded 48-team competition from home. Many lauded Zee for stepping up to broadcast a major global event that other media outlets had reportedly been hesitant to commit to, especially given the challenging viewing hours for Indian audiences.

However, that early optimism has since soured for many subscribers. Zee5 introduced two subscription tiers for the World Cup: a three-month plan priced at Rs 799 and an annual package for Rs 1,699. The Rs 799 option quickly became popular, having initially been advertised with the benefit of simultaneous streaming on up to three devices. This multi-device access was a key selling point for many households and groups of friends looking to enjoy the matches.

A significant policy alteration, however, has led to a wave of complaints. Reportedly, subscribers who purchased the Rs 799 plan before June 11, 2026, retained the promised multi-device streaming capability. Yet, those who subscribed to the same plan on or after that date found their access restricted to a single device. This unexpected change has left numerous fans feeling misled and short-changed, with many taking to social media to voice their dissatisfaction and accuse the platform of altering terms after purchase.