RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — The 2014 World Cup has officially kicked off, with the United States being drawn with Jamaica in qualifying for the North, Central America and Caribbean region for the tournament in Brazil in three years’ time.

The other two teams in Group A will come from preliminary qualifying matches that include Haiti, Guatemala, the US Virgin Islands and five other nations.

Mexico are in Group B with Costa Rica, while Cuba and Honduras are in Group C. All three group winners and runners-up will advance to a final qualifying round, beginning February 2013.

Horace Reid, the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) General Secretary, who was in Brazil to witness the draw alongside president Captain Horace Burrell, told the Sunday Observer he thought it was a balanced draw.

“I think the draw overall is a balanced one for the teams in CONCACAF. Jamaica will face along with two other team its old nemesis USA in our semi-final stage which makes it very interesting for us,” Reid said via email.

“However, we must change our attitude towards the USA. Of course it will be difficult, but it is time we make history as nothing lasts forever. We must remove the fear factor and start believing. We can top the group with good preparation, solid application and the fervent support of a unified and motivated country, as was the experience in the France ’98 campaign,” he added.

“We do not and will never have the resources of the USA, but we are a resilient people and have demonstrated our courage and qualities on the world stage in so many areas of national life. Our team by itself will have an almost impossible journey qualifying for Brazil 2014, however, with a unified people and good support from corporate, Government and Opposition, civil society, the church, we have an excellent chance. Let us collectively go for it,” Reid pointed out.

First and second teams in each group go to fourth round. The six meet in one pool in fourth round from February 6 to October 15, 2013. First three advance to the finals. The fourth-best nation will play off against Oceania qualifer.