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Generational marksman Erling Haaland earns a crack at his first major tournament next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

This positions him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in any continent.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks only their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

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

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

And in fact he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for almost a century.

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight games - plus two assists.

This amounts to double the goal count any competitor has scored in Europe.

He is the highest scorer in these qualifiers in every region, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

More than twelve months has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

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

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

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

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, definitely among the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in many years Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 tournament.

Erling has previously said being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine in recent months.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

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

George Weah, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Los Blancos icon the footballing pioneer represented three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.