"We're here to win."
These words were spoken with confidence by chief executive of Morocco's 2026 World Cup bid, Hicham El Amrani.
"We are not here for a communications stunt," El Amrani told the BBC News.
"It is not a light decision ... As you can imagine, in our kingdom, that's a decision supported by His Majesty the King so it makes sense to us to go for this World Cup."
Morocco has previously submitted unsuccessful bids to host the international sporting event four times, in 1994, 1998, 2006 and 2010.
However, with only one competitor – a joint bid from the United States, Canada and Mexico – could this finally be the opportunity the North African kingdom has long been campaigning for?
If Morocco wins the bid, it would be only the second time the international football competition is hosted in Africa. The 2010 World Cup took place in South Africa.
The kingdom would also become the second-ever Arab country to win a bid to host the tournament. Qatar is set to host the 2022 World Cup, although the bid has been mired by controversy and criticism.
Morocco's bid was presented this week along with the joint North American plan. FIFA will now closely review both options, with a selection vote scheduled for June 13.
"These two bids were presented and they will be looked at thoroughly by a technical task force. We will evaluate the two bids. We will visit the venues and then decide if the two bids live up to the minimum requirements. If they are, the decision will be taken to congress," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, according to ESPN.
Contrasting with the competition, Morocco has pushed the compact nature of its bid. While the U.S., Canada and Mexico submitted a plan with 23 potential host cities (spanning the entire North American continent), Morocco's bid would mean significantly shorter travel distances between games.
The kingdom is also located in a "sweet spot" time zone, conveniently situated in the middle of the Eastern and Western hemispheres. This would allow more viewers to watch live games at times when they're already awake.
On the other hand, the North American bid is betting on the continent's "proven experience," "world-class, large-capacity stadiums" and in-place infrastructure.
Former Fifa president Sepp Blatter voiced his support of Morocco's bid, saying joint bids are a "nightmare", according to BBC Sport.
"After the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, we (concluded) that co-organisation was a nightmare," he said. "We decided that as long as we had a single nomination, it would be privileged."
Regardless, Morocco just hopes its passion for football shines through.
"I don't think we need to highlight the passion that we have for the game so for us, (bidding) combines all the important factors and provides joy and pride to our country," El Amrani said.
"We want to celebrate the world and receive people in our country, showcase the beauty of our country, its diversity and also boost the social, economic and human development of our country and the continent."