A total of 18 CONCACAF teams entered the competition.

The North, Central American and Caribbean zone was allocated 2 places (out of 24) in the final tournament.

Mexico, the World Cup host, qualified automatically, leaving 1 spot open for competition between 17 teams.

Canada earned their first major title and clinched qualification on 14 September 1985 to participate in their first World Cup after beating Honduras 2–1 at King George V Park in St. John's, Newfoundland.

The following team from CONCACAF qualified for the final tournament.