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Once-in-a-generation goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his premier global event in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

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

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for almost a century.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the scoring total anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He is the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, including areas where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any other player in European qualifying - seven setups.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the reality that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

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

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

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

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

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

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer played for three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.