As is the case with the competition, the first match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup to be filmed in 3D is the opener: Mexico versus the host nation of South Africa on June 11.
In addition to the initial contest, the 3D schedule is highlighted by three of the four quarterfinals, both semifinal matches, the 3rd-place game and the World Cup final on July 11. The U.S. group C match versus Slovenia on June 18 will also get the enhanced treatment.
3D filming will occur at five of the 10 World Cup stadiums: Soccer City and Ellis Park in Johannesburg, as well as venues in Durban, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. All told, FIFA and Sony are teaming on 25 3D matches, as the world's most popular sporting event takes place in Africa for the first time.
ESPN, the English-language, TV rights-holder to the World Cup in the U.S., is slated to present all of the competition's 3D matches on ESPN 3D, its fledgling service that has inked an affiliate pact on DirecTV.
"The 3D feed from these 25 matches will be made available for broadcast on 3D channels, which can be enjoyed by consumers on their 3D-compatible TV sets in the comfort of their home, almost as if they were in football stadiums themselves," said FIFA TV Director Niclas Ericson, in a statement.
As part of FIFA and Sony's efforts to make the 3D viewing experience available to a global network of soccer fans, eight matches will be fed live to digital cinemas and selected venues in 3D HD. Swiss-based Aruna Media AG has been tapped to manage the 3D cinema and entertainment venue rights for live 3D matches. Aruna will broadcast live 3D coverage to about 26 countries and is in discussion with other major markets.
The public can also see 3D trailers on Sony Bravia TVs in thousands of Sony-affiliated retail stores around the world. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will also be producing and distributing the official FIFA film in 3D on Blu-ray this year.
The following is a list of the 2010 World Cup matches that are scheduled to be filmed in 3D
June 11th - South Africa vs. Mexico
June 12th - Argentina vs. Nigeria
June 13th - Germany vs. Australia
June 14th - Netherlands vs. Denmark
June 15th - Brazil vs. North Korea
June 16th - Spain vs. Switzerland
June 17th - Argentina vs. South Korea
June 18th - Slovenia vs. USA
June 19th - Netherlands vs. Japan
June 20th - Brazil vs. Ivory Coast
June 21st - Spain vs. Honduras
June 22nd - Nigeria vs. South Korea
June 23rd - Ghana vs. Germany
June 24th - Slovakia vs. Italy
June 25th - Portugal vs. Brazil
June 27th - Winners of Group B vs. Runner up in Group A
June 28th - Winners of Group E vs. Runner up in Group F
June 28th - Winners of Group G vs. Runner up in Group H
July 2nd - Quarter final
July 3rd - Quarter final
July 3rd - Quarter final
July 6th - Semi final
July 7th - Semi final
July 10th - 3rd place play-off
July 11th - World Cup final
