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Once-in-a-generation goalgetter Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his first major tournament this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This positions him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

And his country's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure 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 hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for almost a century.

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

That is double the scoring total any competitor has scored in Europe.

He remains the highest scorer in these qualifiers in all continents, even in regions where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

More than twelve months has gone by since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven assists.

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we have both the premier attacker and I would argue the best playmaker, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in many years Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

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

Erling has previously said being better than his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway means he avoids his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

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

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano played for three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.