Zee Entertainment’s acquisition of the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcast rights was initially welcomed by Indian football fans, ending months of uncertainty over how the tournament would be viewed in the country.
With no broadcaster confirmed for a long time, many supporters praised Zee for stepping in and securing the rights to football’s biggest event despite challenges such as late-night match timings and intense competition in India’s sports broadcasting market.
However, as the tournament drew closer, excitement among fans gradually gave way to frustration.
The controversy centres around Zee’s streaming subscription plans for the FIFA World Cup 2026. To watch matches on smartphones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices, viewers were offered two subscription options: a three-month plan priced at Rs 799 and an annual plan costing Rs 1,699.
The Rs 799 package quickly became the preferred choice among football fans looking for coverage of the month-long tournament. At launch, the plan was advertised as supporting streaming on up to three devices simultaneously, a feature that attracted many subscribers.
However, several users later claimed that after purchasing the package, they discovered the benefit had been modified. According to complaints shared across social media platforms, the same plan now permits streaming on only one device at a time.
The change triggered widespread criticism online, with football fans accusing the broadcaster of altering key subscription benefits after customers had already made their purchases. Many users argued that the original three-device promise was a major factor in their decision to subscribe.
Social media platforms quickly filled with complaints, with subscribers demanding that Zee restore the multi-device access feature for all users.
Despite the backlash, reports suggest the broadcaster has no plans to reverse the decision.
According to information circulating among subscribers, the three-device streaming benefit was available only to customers who purchased the Rs 799 package on or before June 11, just ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match.
Fans who subscribed before that date reportedly continue to enjoy simultaneous streaming on up to three devices. However, those who purchased the same plan after June 11 are restricted to a single-device login.
The distinction has left many supporters disappointed, particularly those who expected identical benefits under the same subscription package.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 now underway, the issue has become one of the biggest talking points among Indian football fans, overshadowing what was initially seen as a major win for the sport’s broadcasting landscape in the country.
As criticism continues to mount online, many subscribers are hoping Zee will reconsider its stance and provide greater clarity regarding the changes made to its World Cup streaming plans.