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Once-in-a-generation goalgetter Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his first major tournament this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

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

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

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

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

This represents twice the scoring total any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He is the top scorer in these qualifiers in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice as more games.

Over a year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

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

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million people and we have both the best striker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, absolutely including the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in decades Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their squad in global competition.

Norway featured in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and Euro 2000.

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 World Cup.

Erling has previously said exceeding his dad represented a big career ambition 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 next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his addition to the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with various top teams, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer represented three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.