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Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his initial international competition this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - finding the back of the net consistently in each of those matches.

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

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

The striker commented post-game: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I feel it. But it's fun."

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

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the scoring total anyone else has scored in Europe.

He remains the highest scorer in these qualifiers in every region, including ones where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd propose the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

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

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

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

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet recently.

Escaping Historical Omission

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

Three Ballon d'Or winners never managed to participate in the global tournament.

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

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer played for three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.