U.S. opens World Cup play against England in South Africa next Saturday.
Rio Ferdinand was hurt during this match against Japan today and will miss the World Cup.
England captain Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of the World Cup today after injuring his left knee in the team's first full training session in South Africa. The United States will open World Cup play against England next Saturday, June 12.
The 31-year-old center back sustained the ligament damage while defending against striker Emile Heskey at England's training ground near Rustenburg a week before England's opener against the United States on June 12.
Hospital tests showed that Ferdinand will be out for four to six weeks and his place on the roster will be taken by Tottenham defender Michael Dawson, while midfielder Steven Gerrard assumes the captaincy.
"It is obviously bad news and everyone with the squad is very disappointed and sorry for Rio," England coach Fabio Capello said. "It was an accidental injury in training, but had nothing to do with the pitch."
It came at the end of another injury-plagued season for Ferdinand at Manchester United, whose back problems forced the defender to just 12 starts for United.
Matthew Upson or Ledley King, who has chronic knee problems, are likely to take Ferdinand's starting spot in central defense alongside John Terry.
Former captain David Beckham, whose World Cup campaign was ended by an Achilles' tendon injury, has traveled with the squad.
World Cup stars have been battling the injury bug lately.
Ivory Coast may have lost its star and captain, Didier Drogba. He broke his right arm today in a 2-0 warmup victory over Japan.
Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo is home in Milan with a calf injury that could force him from soccer's showpiece event. Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar missed practice for the second straight day because of a back injury.
And American striker Jozy Altidore has a sprained right ankle that makes him doubtful for Saturday's tuneup match against Australia.