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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his premier global event next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, 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 each of those matches.

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

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 Euros.

What Significance Was Haaland's Contribution?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for nine decades.

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

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

He remains the top scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, even in regions where national sides participate double the matches.

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

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

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 young age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we have both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the top creator, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

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

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 tournament.

Erling has previously said exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine earlier this year.

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

George Weah, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star played for three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.