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Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his first major tournament next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in all those encounters.

This positions him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in all continents.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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 register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goal count anyone else has scored in Europe.

He stands as the top scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including areas where teams play twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

The Gunners playmaker has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

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

Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the best striker and I would argue the best playmaker, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of Qualification

Initially in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

Norway featured in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

His father, Alf Inge, participated in the 1994 tournament.

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

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

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

The African icon, who secured titles with various top teams, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.

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