The United States squad arrived in Johannesburg on Monday following a 17-hour flight, with visible security for the Americans' high-profile arrival ahead of the World Cup no different to that which greeted other teams in South Africa.

Armed special task-force members, dressed in dark blue uniforms, surrounded the South African Airways plane at the O.R. Tambo airport as the players emerged on a cool, overcast afternoon.

After leading his team off the plane, coach Bob Bradley immediately picked out the opening game against England, on June 12, as a chance to make an impression on the tournament.

"There has been a lot of attention on our first game with England," Bradley said. "It's a great opportunity for us.

"But we certainly know that Slovenia and Algeria are excellent teams. It will be a tough group and we are looking forward to it.

The country has a familiar feel for the US squad, who enjoyed an impressive showing in the Confederations Cup in South Africa last year.

Bradley's team reached the final of the competition and played at the grounds in Rustenburg and Pretoria and Johannesburg's Ellis Park - the same venues they visit in the group stages this time.

"We're very fortunate that we have had experience here," Bradley said to reporters on the airport tarmac. "The people here in South Africa have always treated us so well so in that regard, it's a comfortable feeling to be back for the World Cup."

Dressed in blue-and-red team tracksuits, the US players then boarded a bus for the 25-minute drive up to their base at the Irene Country Lodge, a luxurious, rural-style hotel in a village between Johannesburg and the capital city Pretoria.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP