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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland secures an opportunity in his first major tournament next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This positions him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 Euros.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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 score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for almost a century.

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

That is double the goals tally anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, including areas where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

More than twelve months has gone by since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

However, it's not just a one-man show.

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

The London club's midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

We're a country of five million inhabitants and we feature both the top forward and I would argue the top creator, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Importance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

Their nation competed in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 World Cup.

Erling has previously said surpassing his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star featured for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.