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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his premier global event next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

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

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer 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 maintained that achievement for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

This amounts to double the goal count anyone else has scored in Europe.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, including areas where teams play twice as more games.

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

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

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

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the top forward and I would argue the premier midfielder, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 World Cup.

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

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine in recent months.

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Ireland international during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano played for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.