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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his premier global event next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.

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

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I sense it. But it's fun."

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in under 50 international games.

The nation's former highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

This amounts to double the goals tally any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

More than twelve months has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since making his debut at the age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the truth that in this generation we also have Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million citizens and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

Norway featured in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and Euro 2000.

Haaland's father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 tournament.

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication in recent months.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

The African icon, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star played for three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any of them.