From an interface that lags often to reducing the number of promised devices, the experience of watching the FIFA World Cup has started on a low note

Until a few weeks ago, we in the Indian football fraternity were worried about India not having a broadcaster for the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, happiness knocked on our doors when Zee5 won the rights to broadcast the tournament, but unfortunately, that happiness was short-lived. Navigating through the OTT platform already feels like a headache even before the inaugural game—here's why.

3 to 1

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

When Zee5 won the broadcasting rights, multiple ads stated that if a user purchases the 799/3-month pack, they will be able to share the account with two more users. In short, for INR 799, three users can watch the match on three different devices simultaneously. However, today, i.e., the day before the inaugural game, the INR 799 pack is now available to only one user/screen. Many users on Reddit have highlighted the issue—not cool!

Three months

Forcing viewers to subscribe to a three-month package, which costs INR 799 (INR 266 per month), has not been well received by subscribers. If the tournament runs from June 12 to July 20, why is a subscriber forced to pay for three months? One user on Reddit wrote, “Greed truly knows no bounds.”

800 each for two screens

Many subscribers also highlighted that INR 1699 for a year is not a favourable deal for most Indians, especially those who care less about movies and web series. For the record, if one takes the 1699 subscription for a year, the user can watch the matches simultaneously on two screens. In short, no matter which pack one opts for, a single user will have to shell out INR 800 for 1.5 months of FIFA World Cup action.

Buggy user interface

There is also the issue of a buggy user interface. The Zee5 OTT platform is renowned for its buggy interface and consistent buffering. Unfortunately, the issue continues to occur. No matter how strong your broadband is, the interface never works as seamlessly as with Netflix, Amazon Prime, or JioHotstar. In fact, you will come across multiple YT videos highlighting the issue and offering solutions for running Zee5 on your device seamlessly.

No 4K

@ZEE5India Buggy interface as always, 1 screen at 799 instead of 3 as was announced earlier, forced subscription for 3 months and no 4K -- Greed truly knows no bounds. And then we question why India doesn't watch football? Nice going! #WorldCupMedia #FIFA #FC26 #Somos26

— Rohit Chatterjee (@Rchatterjee_Da) June 11, 2026

Users have also highlighted that in India, Zee5 will not broadcast the matches in 4K. On smart TVs and mobile apps, the telecast is capped at 1080p, whereas in a web browser, it is capped at 720p.

All of the above reasons have made many diehard football fans in India unhappy, and on various social media platforms, they have openly expressed their desire to seek alternatives using VPNs.