The USA are out to defend their 2014 title, making their 16th appearance this year at the FIVB World Championships. Their 2014 gold, following a 3-1 win over China in the final, was their first in the history of the competition, after two silver and two bronze.
Success has not just been limited to the World Championship. The USA have also won three silver and two bronze medals at the Olympic Games, although the gold medal still eludes them. Their latest podium finish came at the Rio 2016 Games, after defeating the Netherlands 3-1 in the bronze medal match.
The North Americans are reigning Pan-American Games champions, following a 3-0 win over Brazil in the final of Toronto 2015. They have been on the podium of the NORCECA Championship in every single edition that they have competed in, except for 2009 when they finished fourth. This includes gold medals in the last three editions.
The USA are second only to Brazil in FIVB World Grand Prix gold medals, having collected six - the last coming in 2015 at home in Omaha. Additionally, they have also won two bronze medals and one silver medal in the event.
This year the USA topped the standings of the inaugural FIVB Volleyball Nations League pool play, with a 13-2 record and went on to win the historic title, beating Finals hosts China 3-1, followed by a 3-2 win over Turkey in the final at Nanjing. Can they make it a golden year by claiming a second consecutive World Championship?