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Generational striker Erling Haaland will get a chance to play 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 accomplished it through outstanding performance, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, means they will be playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

This marks only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

The Crucial Role Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

This amounts to double the scoring total any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the top scorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, including areas where national sides participate twice as more games.

More than twelve months has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't just a one-man show.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven assists.

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 fact that in this generation we also have Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

We're a country of five million people and we have both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the top creator, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in many years Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their squad in global competition.

Norway competed in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 tournament.

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

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a major publication earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his addition to the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, 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 a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star played for three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.