The United States, currently ranked the world's 14th best team, joins a very tough field in this year's World Cup. For the first time since expanding to 32 teams in 1998, the World Cup features all of the top 15 teams in the world.

Nevertheless, history likes America's chances. Of the 45 teams ranked 14th or higher that played in the last 4 World Cups, 33 advanced beyond the first round. For teams ranked between 10th and 20th, 17 out of 29 teams advanced.

Team USA even has a shot at the championship. In 2006, 13th-ranked Italy won the title. Eight years prior, France, then the 18th best team in the world, won the World Cup—albeit as the host country.

If the U.S. is going to make a run, they'll have to overcome stiff competition early. Their group features #2 Germany and #5 Portugal. Because only two teams from each group move on, the U.S. must upset a European powerhouse to advance.

Unfortunately, history suggests such an upset will be difficult. In 1998, two groups (A and F) featured two teams ranked in the top 10. All four top teams advanced to the round of 16.

There was only one such group in 2002—and again, both teams moved on.

The story repeated in 2010: In the one group with two top-ten teams, both teams advanced.

Only 2006 offers hope. Three groups had two top-ten teams in that year's tournament. They both advanced in two groups, but in one group—which, like Team USA's group this year, featured the #2 and #5 teams in the world—both teams lost.

But even 2006 isn't good news for the Americans. The #5 team that was upset in 2006? Team USA.

To explore the results for other countries and years, click the links on the right to filter the graphic.