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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his initial international competition this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

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

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

Furthermore he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for almost a century.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goals tally any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice as more games.

Over a year has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

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

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

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the best striker and I'd propose the top creator, definitely among the top creators, in the English top flight.

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 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 competition.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his father was a major professional goal for him.

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

Escaping Historical Exclusion

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees never managed to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon the Argentine-Spanish star represented three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.