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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

This positions him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

And his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I feel it. But it's fun."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

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

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the goals tally any competitor has scored in Europe.

He is the highest scorer in these qualifiers in any continent, even in regions where squads compete double the matches.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any other player in European qualifying - seven assists.

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

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

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we have both the best striker and I would argue the top creator, definitely among the top creators, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their squad in global competition.

The Scandinavian country competed 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.

The striker has mentioned before surpassing his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

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

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway means he avoids his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer played for three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.