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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his premier global event in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

And his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in under 50 international games.

The nation's former leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight encounters - plus two assists.

This represents twice the goal count anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the highest scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, even in regions where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven.

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

We're a country of five million inhabitants and we have both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, definitely among the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

Initially in many years Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

Norway participated in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

Haaland's father, Alf Inge, featured in the 1994 competition.

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer represented three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.