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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

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

And his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

The striker commented afterwards: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

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

The nation's former top scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

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

He is the top scorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including areas where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Skipper 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.

"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the premier attacker and I would argue the best playmaker, definitely among the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

The Scandinavian country competed in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 World Cup.

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his addition to the list of great players who never featured in one.

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

The African icon, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano featured for three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.