Zee Entertainment and its OTT platform ZEE5 faced strong criticism from Indian fans after subscription changes and streaming problems during the opening night of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Before the tournament began, users claimed that ZEE5 changed its Rs 799 subscription plan. The plan, which earlier allowed access on three devices, was reportedly reduced to only one screen.
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The change led to heavy complaints on social media platforms. After the backlash, ZEE5 restored the subscription benefits to their earlier format.
FIFA World Cup Live Streaming Glitches Hit Fans
Fans also faced major technical problems while watching the opening match. Many users reported buffering issues, login failures, app crashes, and frozen screens during the live stream. The problems affected viewers trying to watch the FIFA World Cup on ZEE5 during the first night of the tournament.
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ZEE5 Working to Improve Streaming Capacity
Zee has exclusive rights to broadcast and stream 39 FIFA events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, til 2034. The matches are available through its Unite8 Sports TV channels and ZEE5 platform. After the streaming issues, the platform is working to increase its server capacity to manage the high number of viewers during the tournament.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future. She has also conducted high-profile interviews and podcasts with industry leaders, bringing sharp analysis and accessible storytelling to a wide audience.
