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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented afterwards: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I sense it. But it's fun."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

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.

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for almost a century.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the scoring total any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including areas where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

More than twelve months has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

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

The London club's midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the fact that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million people and we have both the best striker and I'd propose the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

Haaland's father, Alf Inge, featured in the 1994 World Cup.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Omission

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 Ballon d'Or winners never managed to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

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