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Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in every one of those games.

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

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I sense it. But it's exciting."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This represents twice the goals tally anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the top scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including areas where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

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

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't solely about one player.

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

The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million people and we feature both the best striker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, definitely among the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

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

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

Erling has previously said being better than his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication recently.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

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

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

George Weah, who won trophies with various top teams, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano represented three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.