Having already announced that the 2010 football World Cup would be the first to be produced in 3D, FIFA and Sony have today shared the finer details - including a list of 25 3D fixtures.
In an announcement that's certain to irritate England fans, Sony revealed that its 15 "carefully" selected 3D group games wouldn't include any English fixtures. Viewers wanting to see England in 3D will instead have to hope the team is able to progress through the group stages, with a further 10 3D games set to air during the knockout stages.
The schedule ensures a 3D game is available daily throughout the tournament, which kicks off at the Soccer City stadium, Johannesburg on June 11th.
However, despite the plans to broadcast live 3D matches - each of which will be filmed using seven Sony HDC-1500 cameras - sports fans may struggle to receive the content. At present, only two broadcasters have signed on to air the 3D games - ESPN in the US and Sogecable in Spain - and although further broadcast partnerships are said to be forthcoming, a UK broadcasting deals looks increasingly unlikely.
With 3D-capable TVs only now beginning to appear at retail, FIFA will instead attempt to ensure 3D content reaches viewers by making available 3D viewing locations at cinemas and other venues in around 26 countries.
Following the tournament, Sony will also launch an official 3D World Cup Blu-ray Disc. The complete list of fixtures to be shown in 3D is detailed as follows:
1. June 11 16:00h RSA v MEX
2. June 12 16:00h ARG v NGA
3. June 13 20:30h GER v AUS
4. June 14 13:30h NED v DEN
5. June 15 20:30h BRA v PRK
6. June 16 16:00h ESP v SUI
7. June 17 13:30h ARG v KOR
8. June 18 16:00h SVN v USA
9. June 19 13:30h NED v JPN
10. June 20 20:30h BRA v CIV
11. June 21 20:30h ESP v HON
12. June 22 20:30h NGA v KOR
13. June 23 20:30h GHA v GER
14. June 24 16:00h SVK v ITA
15. June 25 16:00h POR v BRA
16. June 27 20:30h 1st B v 2nd A
17. June 28 16:00h 1st E v 2nd F
18. June 28 20:30h 1st G v 2nd H
19. July 2 20:30h Quarter finals
20. July 3 16:00h Quarter finals
21. July 3 20:30h Quarter finals
22. July 6 20:30h Semi finals
23. July 7 20:30h Semi finals
24. July 10 20:30h 3rd place match
25. July 11 20:30h Final
Press release: FIFA and Sony to launch first ever global 3D experience of the FIFA World Cup
