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Generational marksman Erling Haaland secures a crack at his first major tournament next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

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

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

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

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

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

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

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for almost a century.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goals tally any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the highest scorer in these qualifiers in every region, including areas where squads compete double the matches.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven.

The London club's midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this period we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," said a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million people and we possess both the premier attacker and I would argue the best playmaker, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in a generation Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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

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

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

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

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

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