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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland secures an opportunity in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in every one of those games.

This positions him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

The Crucial Role Did Haaland Play?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

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

The nation's former top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight encounters - plus two assists.

That is double the goal count any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in all continents, including areas where teams play double the matches.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

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

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million people and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their squad in global competition.

The Scandinavian country competed in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

Haaland's father, Alf Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 World Cup.

Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine recently.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway means he avoids his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

George Weah, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano represented three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.