World ranking: 13th
Qualification: First in Americas
Best result: Pool stage
TAB odds: $501
Chances: For all their potential - and emergence as world sevens powerhouse - the Americans have never really kicked on to bridge the gap between also-rans and real contenders in the 15s format.
To add to their predicament, they've drawn the 'pool of death', with England, France and Argentina all semi-final candidates, and only Tonga looming as a winnable game. Anything more than that would be a major surprise.
Leading players:
Paul Lasike
The Auckland-born centre was recruited by US college Brigham Young to play rugby almost a decade ago, but found a career in the NFL, as a barnstorming fullback. Stints with the Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals didn't work out as planned, and Lasike turned his attention back to the 15-man code.
He is the Eagles' most dangerous attacking weapon and if they are to pull off an upset in Japan, the 29-year-old will be key.
Squad
Forwards: David Ainu'u, Malon Al-Jiboori, Nate Brakeley, Nick Civetta, Cam Dolan, Dylan Fawsitt, Eric Fry, Hanco Germishuys, James Hilterbrand, Olive Kilifi, Tony Lamborn, Titi Lamositele, Ben Landry, Paul Mullen, Gregor Peterson, Ben Pinkelman, John Quill, Joseph Taufete'e
Backs: Blaine Scully, Nate Augspurger, Marcel Brache, Bryce Campbell, Shaun Davies, Ruben De Haas, Will Hooley, Martin Iosefo, Paul Lasike, AJ MacGinty, Will Magie, Thretton Palamo, Mike Te'o.
Pool draw (NZT)
September 26
England v USA, Kobe City, 10:45pm
October 2
France v USA, Fukuoka City, 8:45pm
October 9
Argentina v USA, Kumagaya City, 5:45pm
October 13
USA v Tonga, Higashiosaka City, 6:45pm
Newshub.
Rugby World Cup 2019 Dictionary
The ninth Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 20 in Japan - the first time it has been hosted in Asia.
Everything you need to know about rugby and the World Cup...
