The Hill News

The Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates used Twitter on Thursday to highlight the success of neighboring Qatar's bid to host the World Cup in 2022.

"I would like to congratulate Qatar on their win to host … This victory is an achievement for all Arab countries," he said.

2022 will be the first time a Middle Eastern country will hold the global soccer competition.

According to Soccer America magazine, the tiny oil-rich nation spent $157 million on a marketing campaign aimed at FIFA's executive board.

The U.S., meanwhile, sent a delegation of former president Bill Clinton, actor Morgan Freeman and others to Zurich on Wednesday to make a final pitch to the committee.

Australia was considered another viable contender for the 2022 spot.

"I think it was! the wrong decision," President Obama said of the choice of Qatar on Thursday. "But I continue to be optimistic that our team, wherever we're playing, is going to make it to the finals next time out."

The U.S. hosted the World Cup for the first time in 1994.