Sunday Mirror journalist Simon Wright, arrested after a fan's intrusion into the England team's dressing room, is to go on trial this weekend.
The hearing has been set for two day, July 10 and 11, the latter being the day of the World Cup final.
Wright made a brief appearance at Cape Town's special World Cup court today, where senior prosecutor Billy Downer announced the dates.
Mr Downer said he hoped the trial would be over in time for the final on Sunday evening, which begins at 1930BST.
Wright, who is on bail, faces charges of attempting to defeat the ends of justice and breaching the Immigration Act.