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Once-in-a-generation goalgetter Erling Haaland secures an opportunity in his initial international competition this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

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

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

Additionally he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

This represents twice the scoring total anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the highest scorer in these qualifiers in any continent, including ones where national sides participate twice as more games.

More than twelve months has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven.

The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we have both the best striker and I would argue the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

Initially in decades Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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

Haaland's father, Alf Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 World Cup.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his father was a major professional goal for him.

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

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Los Blancos icon the footballing pioneer represented three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with either country.