Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, said the foreign ministry on Thursday.

“Led by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup intends to deliver a world-class tournament to delight football fans in this global event after the great successes achieved in the Kingdom hosting many international sporting events activities,” it said.

The kingdom’s bid comes after Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with former England captain David Beckham as its ambassador. It was the first to take place in the Middle East.

Argentina won its third World Cup victory in the tournament after defeating France in the final match.

Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman Abdulaziz Al Saud said that the kingdom’s desire to bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup was a reflection of the “comprehensive renaissance it has achieved at all levels”

The Kingdom has emerged as a leading hub and an international destination for hosting major world events in various fields, with its economic strength and great civilization and cultural heritage, he added.

Saudi clubs have spent more than 400 million euros ($439 million) in the close season to sign players from Europe’s elite teams, including Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema from Real Madrid, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and treble winner Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City.

The influx began just a few months after Al-Nassr signed Cristiano Ronaldo on a reported salary of more than $200 million a year in December.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is often referred to by his initials, has also indicated that the intention to host the World Cup came as an affirmation of the “great efforts made by the kingdom in spreading messages of peace and love around the world, of which sport is one of the most important and prominent aspect, considering it as an important means for peoples of different races and cultures to meet, which is what the Kingdom has striven to achieve in various fields, including the sports fields.”