Beckham's global popularity, particularly with American fans, would have been a huge spectator draw for the 2010 Cup in South Africa. But he was forced to hobble from the pitch while playing a league game for his Italian team AC Milan.
Finnish orthopedic surgeon Sakari Orava operated Monday on Beckham and told CNN affiliate MTV3 in Finland the injury was a total rupture of Beckham's left Achilles tendon.
"I think the surgery went fine," Orava said, adding the Beckham would miss this summer's World Cup. "Healing will take much longer."
Beckham flew in Monday to receive treatment from Orava at a private hospital in Turku, some 250 kilometers (155 miles) west of Helsinki.
How serious is Beckham's injury?
MTV3 journalist Mervi Kallio said the surgeon told her Beckham "probably knew there was no chance he could play [in the World Cup] when he arrived."
Earlier in the day, England national team boss Fabio Capello expressed his sympathy for the star midfielder.
"I am very sad for David that he has suffered this injury," he said in a statement."
David is a great professional and has worked very hard to be ready for the World Cup, so missing it will be a big blow," he added.
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