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Generational marksman Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, means they will be competing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland stated following the match: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's fun."

This marks only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

What Significance Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

Furthermore he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

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

This amounts to double the goals tally any competitor has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the leading goalscorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including areas where teams play twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

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

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

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this generation we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million people and we feature both the best striker and I'd propose the top creator, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

The Scandinavian country featured in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

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

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

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

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway means he avoids his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The African icon, who secured titles with various top teams, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Los Blancos icon the Argentine-Spanish star represented three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.