The FIFA 2010 World Cup will bring with it many firsts, not the least of which being the first World Cup held on African soil. Sony, in a deal with FIFA, will also make it the first tournament in which games will be broadcast in 3D.

Sony, an official FIFA partner, announced that it had secured rights from FIFA to film and broadcast 25 World Cup matches in 3D. The games will be broadcast to FIFA booths located in Berlin, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Sydney during the tournament. Sony will also release an ‘official 3D film’ after the World Cup on Blu-ray.

“The transition to 3D is underway, and, we, at Sony, intend to be leaders in every aspect. Our sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup allows us to leverage our cutting-edge 3D technology and premier products with dazzling content to produce a unique and totally compelling viewing experience. 3D viewers around the world will feel as though they are inside the stadiums in South Africa, watching the games in person,” said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President of Sony Corporation.

Conspicuously missing from Sony and FIFA’s list of cities receiving 3D broadcasts is a South African city. Perhaps Danny Jordaan should have a word with Sepp Blatter to make sure South Africa is not the first host of a World Cup to not receive available 3D broadcasts of games.