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Generational marksman Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his premier global event in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

And his squad's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and factors, and I experience it. But it's fun."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight games - plus two assists.

This represents twice the goal count any competitor has scored in Europe.

He stands as the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, even in regions where squads compete twice as more games.

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

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any other player in UEFA qualification - seven assists.

The Gunners playmaker has played 67 times for Norway since his initial cap at the tender age of fifteen.

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," said a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million people and we feature both the top forward and I would argue the premier midfielder, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

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

The Scandinavian country participated in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

His father, Alf Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 World Cup.

Erling has previously said exceeding his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet earlier this year.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Ireland international during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star represented three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with either country.