History
The United States has taken part in nine FIFA World Cups, with Mexico the only CONCACAF team involved in more. Its best finals performance to date came at Uruguay in 1930, when it reached the semifinals. South Africa 2010 will be the United States' sixth consecutive finals appearance. Its most recent appearance at the World Cup finals was Germany 2006, when it failed to make it past a tough group with Italy, Ghana and Czech Republic.

Qualification
The United States qualified convincingly, breezing past the second and third round of qualifying. Only losing one game in six during the third round, a highlight was an 8-0 demolition of Barbados. In a group along with Mexico, Costa Rica and Honduras during the fourth and final round of qualifying, the U.S. impressed by finishing on top, beating Honduras 3-2 away in a superb win. Jozy Altidore was top scorer in the campaign with six goals, but Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey and Michael Bradley all weighed in with five apiece.

Prospects
The United States has made steady progress as an international side in recent years and proved it is more than worthy of a place at the World Cup finals. Highlighting its improvement is a quarterfinal appearance in the 2002 World Cup and a FIFA-ranking high of fourth in 2006. A number of U.S. players now play in top-flight league overseas and Bob Bradley’s men will not be taken likely by the sides they will meet in Group C. They have a tough group opener against England with Slovenia and Algeria to follow. Fabio Capello’s England may be pre-tournament favorites to top the group, but the Americans could grab second and secure a place in the knockout stage.