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Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his premier global event next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

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

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

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

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goals tally any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He is the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including ones where teams play double the matches.

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

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in UEFA qualification - seven assists.

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the fact that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the top creator, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

For the first time in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

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

Erling's dad, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 competition.

Haaland has earlier stated being better than his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet in recent months.

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who missed World Cup action.

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

George Weah, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

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

Los Blancos icon the Argentine-Spanish star represented three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.