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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This positions him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.

What Significance Was Haaland's Contribution?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goals tally any competitor has scored in Europe.

He stands as the highest scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including areas where squads compete twice as more games.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in European qualifying - seven assists.

The Gunners playmaker has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million people and we have both the top forward and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in decades Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 competition.

Erling has previously said exceeding his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine recently.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament 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 qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star played for three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.