Costa Rica narrowly emerged as champions on goal difference to win their third title and participate in their first World Cup.

The United States finished runners-up by virtue of one goal and qualified for their first World Cup in forty years.

Five teams qualified from the two stage qualification process that ran from April to November 1988.

Mexico were disqualified during this stage after having been found to have fielded over-aged players during the 1988 CONCACAF U-20 Tournament.

Costa Rica won the 1989 CONCACAF Championship and, along with the United States, qualified for the 1990 FIFA World Cup.