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Generational striker Erling Haaland earns an opportunity in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This positions him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

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

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former top scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two assists.

This amounts to double the goals tally any other player has scored in Europe.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifiers in all continents, including ones where national sides participate twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the reality that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we possess both the premier attacker and I would argue the top creator, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf Inge, participated in the 1994 competition.

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

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his name going on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients never managed to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

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