NEW YORK, USA — Haiti, which was devastated by an earthquake last month, will open the CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship against the defending champions United States, the start of the 16-game, 11-day event.

Despite the calamity, which according to some estimates, has killed 200,000 in the country, including 32 people from the Haiti Football Federation in the collapse of their offices, Haiti has confirmed its participation in the second biennial U-17 championship.

This is the first time they have qualified for the CONCACAF finals of a Women’s Youth event since the 2002 U-19 tournament.

CONCACAF president Jack Warner visited Haiti on Sunday, committing support and offering encouragement to the Haitian Football Federation.

“Haiti’s participation in this tournament under the most difficult circumstances is a testament to the will and commitment of the Haitian Football Federation, their players and coaches and the Haitian people.” Warner said.

“We applaud their perseverance and look forward to working together to rebuild their football programme and country.”

The team has already arrived in Santo Domingo, where the Dominican Football Federation is providing lodging, training facilities and other assistance to help prepare the side for next month’s championship.

The tournament, to be played entirely at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium — the home of Liga Deportiva Alajuelense — in Alajuela, Costa Rica, will open March 10 and will conclude with the title and third-placed matches on March 20.

The CONCACAF event will qualify two teams, along with Under-17 Women’s World Cup hosts Trinidad & Tobago, for the World Championship in September.

FIRST ROUND

Group A: Canada, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama

Group B: Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Haiti, United States.