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Generational striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his initial international competition next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with outstanding performance, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in each of those matches.

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

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland stated following the match: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier top scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goals tally anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the highest scorer in these qualifiers in all continents, including areas where teams play double the matches.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any other player in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his initial cap at the age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we have both the top forward and I'd propose the top creator, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

Initially in many years Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 tournament.

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

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet in recent months.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who claimed championships with various top teams, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer played for three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.