Mexico, the USA, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador and Canada, the six highest-ranked teams according to FIFA, received byes and advanced to the third round directly.

The remaining 24 teams were divided into two zones, based on geographical locations.

The Bahamas withdrew, so Saint Kitts and Nevis advanced to the first round automatically.

Saint Kitts and Nevis won 6–1 on aggregate and advanced to the second round.

Bermuda withdrew, so Trinidad and Tobago advanced to the second round automatically.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines won on the away goals rule and advanced to the third round.