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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his premier global event this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in all those encounters.

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

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has scored 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 fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous top scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goals tally anyone else has scored in Europe.

He stands as the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including areas where teams play twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

However, it's not just a one-man show.

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

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million people and we have both the best striker and I would argue the top creator, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 competition.

Erling has previously said being better than his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine in recent months.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.

Los Blancos icon the Argentine-Spanish star played for three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any of them.