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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.

Furthermore, 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 each of those matches.

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

And his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

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

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

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

The nation's former highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

This amounts to double the scoring total any other player has scored in Europe.

He is the highest scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

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

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

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we feature both the best striker and I'd suggest the top creator, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

Initially in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

Norway participated in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

His father, Alf Inge, participated in the 1994 competition.

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

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication recently.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

The African icon, who secured titles with various top teams, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer played for three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.