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Generational striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in each of those matches.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

And his squad'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.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's significant pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in under 50 international games.

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

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two assists.

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

He is the highest scorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where squads compete double the matches.

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

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't solely about one player.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in European qualifying - seven assists.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we have both the premier attacker and I would argue the top creator, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

The Scandinavian country featured in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and the 2000 European Championship.

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 tournament.

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a significant personal target for him.

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

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

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

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played 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 sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano played for three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.