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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his first major tournament this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in all continents.

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's fun."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

In these qualifiers he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the scoring total any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He is the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in any continent, even in regions where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't just a one-man show.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in European qualifying - seven.

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his initial cap at the tender age of fifteen.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth that in this period we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we have both the best striker and I would argue the premier midfielder, definitely among the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

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

The Scandinavian country competed in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and Euro 2000.

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, participated in the 1994 competition.

Haaland has earlier stated being better than his father was a major professional goal for him.

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

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners never managed to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano played for three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.