FIFA World Cup 2026 Live Streaming: Zee5 Limits Subscription To One Device Despite Backlash

Zee Entertainment initially gave Indian football fans a reason to celebrate. Its announcement of a partnership with FIFA to broadcast and live stream the 2026 World Cup in India ended months of uncertainty over whether supporters would be able to watch the tournament from the comfort of their homes.

Many applauded Zee for stepping in where no other broadcaster appeared willing to, taking a chance on a tournament with difficult viewing hours and a crowded sports media market.

However, as the World Cup approached, that early optimism began to fade. Fans soon discovered that the offering they had welcomed so enthusiastically was not quite what they had expected.

To stream matches on electronic devices, Zee introduced two subscription plans: Rs 799 for three months and Rs 1,699 for a year. The Rs 799 plan quickly emerged as the most popular choice among football fans. At the time of its launch, the package was advertised as allowing streaming on up to three devices simultaneously.

Many subscribers, however, were left frustrated after purchasing the plan and discovering that the benefit had been altered. The package now allowed streaming on only one device at a time, leaving customers feeling short-changed. Angry fans took to social media to express their dissatisfaction, accusing Zee of misleading consumers and demanding that the company restore the original three-device streaming promise.

Dear @ZEE5India,

I subscribed to the World Cup Pack because it was advertised as supporting 3 devices, allowing my family to share the subscription. After payment, the device limit was changed to 1 device only.

This is misleading and unfair to consumers. Please resolve this…

— Jimmy Jose (@Jimmmyjose) June 11, 2026

Zee5 openly scammed the subscribers before the FIFA world cup!

Imagine buying the plan for 3 screens by paying ₹799, to watch the FIFA World Cup and then the screens limit secretly drops to 1 literally the night before the tournament starts, that too in 720p.

Absolute bait and… pic.twitter.com/B9h4nK8de3

— Sanju Choudhary (@saaaanjjjuuu) June 12, 2026

Disappointed with @ZEE5India . Purchased the ₹799 3-month plan to watch the FIFA World Cup, expecting multi-device access as previously offered. Subscribed on mobile, but I'm unable to watch the live match on my laptop. Please clarify and resolve this issue. #FIFAWorldCup #Zee5 pic.twitter.com/hjuXGJDMoP

— Bhavesh Pingle (@BhaveshP7080) June 12, 2026

I Bought the ₹799 FIFA World Cup plan for 3 devices, but now it's showing only 1 device. Why am I not getting what I paid for?

Fraud or what @ZEE5India @zee5#ZEE5 #CustomerSupport pic.twitter.com/6ki1scN3yg

— Santayo Kundu (@kundu_Santayo1) June 12, 2026

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Despite the backlash, Zee has maintained its position. According to reports, the three-device streaming option was available only until June 11, before the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Subscribers who purchased the Rs 799 plan before that date retained the multi-device benefit, while those buying the package after June 11 were restricted to streaming on a single device. The company has so far shown no indication of reversing the change despite mounting criticism from football fans.

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