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Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland earns an opportunity in his premier global event next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in outstanding performance, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.

That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I sense it. But it's exciting."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for 90 years.

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

This amounts to double the scoring total any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including ones where national sides participate twice as more games.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

The Gunners playmaker has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we possess both the top forward and I'd suggest the top creator, definitely among the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 competition.

Erling has previously said being better than his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

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

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients never managed to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon the footballing pioneer featured for three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.