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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland earns an opportunity in his premier global event in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in any continent.

And his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

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

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in under 50 international games.

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

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

That is double the scoring total anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He is the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including areas where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any competitor in European qualifying - seven setups.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the reality that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we feature both the top forward and I'd suggest the best playmaker, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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

Erling's dad, Alf-Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 tournament.

Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a global media outlet recently.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

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

The African icon, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with any of them.