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Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his initial international competition next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

And his national team's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented afterwards: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two assists.

That is double the goal count any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in any continent, including areas where national sides participate double the matches.

More than twelve months has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't just a one-man show.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven.

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this period we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million inhabitants and we feature both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 World Cup.

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine recently.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

George Weah, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star represented three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.