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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his first major tournament next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.

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

The striker commented following the match: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

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

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

This amounts to double the scoring total anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in all continents, even in regions where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this generation we also have Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

We're a country of five million citizens and we possess both the top forward and I'd propose the premier midfielder, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their squad in global competition.

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, featured in the 1994 competition.

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine in recent months.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who secured titles with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

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