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

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I sense it. But it's fun."

This represents only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goal count any other player has scored in Europe.

He is the highest scorer in these qualifiers in all continents, including areas where teams play twice as more games.

Over a year has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

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

We're a country of five million people and we feature both the best striker and I'd propose the best playmaker, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

Initially in many years Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

Their nation competed in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and Euro 2000.

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

Erling has previously said exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine earlier this year.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

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

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer represented three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.