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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland earns an opportunity in his first major tournament next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.

And his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's fun."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous 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 goal contributions.

That is double the scoring total any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He is the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, including ones where teams play twice as more games.

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

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in European qualifying - seven.

The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his initial cap at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million people and we feature both the best striker and I would argue the best playmaker, absolutely including the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Significance of Qualification

Initially in many years Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their squad in global competition.

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

Haaland's father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 World Cup.

The striker has mentioned before surpassing his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano represented three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.