ZEE5 is under fire from Indian football fans after abruptly altering its multi-device subscription benefits just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026, then suffering major glitches during the opening ceremony stream. Angry users allege misleading advertising, reduced device access, login issues, lag, and missing 4K quality, prompting threats of complaints to consumer forums despite ZEE5’s later assurances.
The FIFA World Cup arrives only once every four years. With millions of Indian football fans using streaming platforms to watch the event, nothing could be more disappointing than disruption to that access.
Several Indian fans were left unhappy at the major OTT streaming service ZEE5 as they experienced alterations in their multi-device subscription plans just days before the tournament was set to begin, and a broadcast glitch on the opening day that featured the game between one of the hosts Mexico and South Africa.
According to The Telegraph, "ZEE5 briefly changed their subscription plan, offering access on only one device, instead of the previously advertised three-device access under its Rs 799/3-month package."
Many joined the conversation claiming that they had been misled, as they purchased the plan primarily because it advertised its device-sharing benefits. Customers also accused ZEE5 for modifying the plan after they had already bought it, with several stating they would express this issue on consumer forums.
Besides this, users with existing year-long ZEE5 subscriptions were also unable to watch the football games, with an add-on pack required, leading to confusion.
After the backlash, while ZEE5 restored the plan to its original format, some subscribers claimed they were still facing the issue.
A ZEE5 spokesperson told the The Telegraph that "We would like to reassure our existing FIFA World Cup 2026 Pack subscribers that they will continue to enjoy the enhanced multi-devices access promised at the time of purchase for the full duration of their pack—up to three screens on the ₹799 plan and up to four screens on the ₹1,699 plan.”
Viewers also reported issues such as server freezes, difficulty logging in, unreliable video quality, and lagging streams. Users also called out ZEE5 over the absence of the promised 4K streaming option, which had been featured in its promotional material as part of an enhanced viewing experience.