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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland secures a crack at his premier global event next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

This positions him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

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

The striker commented post-game: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

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

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

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

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the scoring total any competitor has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the top scorer in these qualifiers in every region, including areas where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven assists.

The Arsenal midfielder 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 additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

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

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in a generation Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

The Scandinavian country participated in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

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

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet in recent months.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway means he avoids his addition to the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

The African icon, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, viewed by plenty as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano represented three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with any of them.