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Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland secures a crack at his premier global event next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in each of those matches.

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

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, means they will be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and factors, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

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

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

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

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

Additionally he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goal count anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the highest scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, even in regions where national sides participate twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

However, it's not just a one-man show.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven assists.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

We're a country of five million citizens and we have both the top forward and I'd propose the premier midfielder, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in a generation Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

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

Erling's dad, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 competition.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

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

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

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