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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in each of those matches.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.

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

The striker commented afterwards: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I experience it. But it's fun."

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

The Crucial Role Did Haaland Play?

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

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore 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 highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight games - plus two assists.

This amounts to double the goal count any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He is the top scorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, including areas where national sides participate double the matches.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in European qualifying - seven setups.

The Gunners playmaker has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the best striker and I'd propose the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

His father, Alf Inge, participated in the 1994 World Cup.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star played for three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.