The U17 CONCACAF Championship, which serves as the World Cup qualifying for the region, kicks off on Saturday with Canada taking on Trinidad and Tobago. The host Panama takes on Jamaica in the later game.

The U.S. starts its campaign on Sunday with a clash against Haiti. The Americans are hoping to continue the streak of qualifying for every U17 World Cup since 1985. The top three teams for the CONCACAF Championship earn the right to head to United Arab Emirates in October.

Standing in the way for the U.S. are Haiti and Guatemala in pool play. Below is a brief profile of both of the sides and the keys to the U.S. advancing to the World Cup.

Haiti

Haiti qualified for the CONCACAF Championship with a 3-0-0 record in the previous stage. The squad dominated its competition with a 10-2 goal differential. Forward Jonel Desire led the team in scoring with five goals in those three games including a hat trick against Curaco. Midfielder Jean Wisner Derival had four goals and Therson Philippe had the other.

Former U.S. youth national team player Derrick Etienne is also on the roster for Haiti, as it attempts to qualify for its second U17 World Cup ever (2007 was the previous appearance). Etienne is a speedy winger with good skill who could be the dangerous weapon for the underdogs.

U.S. U17 MNT head coach Richie Williams said he spoke to U20 MNT head coach Tab Ramos to get a gauge on how Haiti may play in the opening match. Assuming the teams are similar, the U.S. can expect a group that puts pressure on the ball and decent movement in the attack. Haiti was one of the most dangerous teams at the U20 level and was unlucky not to get out of pool play. The U17 defense will need to be sharp if Ramos’ assessment holds true.

Guatemala

Guatemala qualified for the event after going 1-2-1 in the UNCAF Championship. The boys in light blue topped El Salvador 3-2 and played to draws against Honduras and Nicaragua, which was enough to send them through to Panama. A loss on the last day to Costa Rica was relatively insignificant to the qualifying process.

Forward Christian Ortiz did the damage with a hat trick against El Salvador. Luis Samayoa scored the other goal for Guatemala at the event.

The U.S. has the advantage of seeing Guatemala play Haiti before it has to take on the challengers from Central America, which should be more than enough to provide an accurate scouting report. Guatemala’s pedestrian effort in the UNCAF Championship is not exactly intimidating, but youth competitions have a way about them where previous results will hardly ever foreshadow success.

Schedule

April 7, 6:30 p.m. (ET): Haiti vs. United States (on Fox Soccer)

April 9, 6:30 p.m. (ET): Guatemala vs. Haiti

April 11, 6:30 p.m. (ET): United States vs. Guatemala (on Fox Soccer)

Key to qualifying

The United States has to win the group in order to avoid Mexico in the quarterfinal stage, so anything short of a win from either game will definitely complicate matters. On paper, the U.S. is coming into this event on a high note with a squad finally healthy and starting to click, as displayed in the 8-0 thrashing of Barbados on Monday. If that form carries over to Panama, Richie Williams’ group should not have too much trouble getting through this group as the top side.

Here are five players who are key to the U17 qualifying hopes.

Depth Chart