Qatar face a tough battle to reach London as they are set to face Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Oman in Group A of the final qualifying stage, with matches starting next month.

There are three groups in total, with the three winners qualifying automatically for London, and the runners up going into a play-off.

Autuori is vastly experienced and respected in the world of football, and had been coaching Qatari team Al Rayyan since 2009, lifting the Qatari cup twice.

The 55-year-old has previously led both Cruzeiro and São Paulo to the Copa Libertadores title, South America's equivalent of the Champions League, as well as lifting the World Club Cup with the latter.

He has won a number of other trophies in a distinguished career which has seen him also manage a host of Brazil's top football teams including Santos, Flamengo and Botafogo, with whom he lifted the Brazilian championship in 2005, as well as coaching the Portuguese sides Nacional, Vitória de Guimarães and Maritimo.

Autuori had initially rejected the chance to coach the Qatari squad, but changed his mind after being asked to give the opportunity more thought.

"We had two long meetings and I was told about the country's ambitious project, which involves the Olympic team and all the planning for football," said Autuori.

"We discussed concepts and thought it would be a good challenge for my career to accept the possibility of planting new roots for the sport in Qatar.

"I was happy with all the recognition of my work."

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