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Once-in-a-generation goalgetter Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his initial international competition this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

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

And his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

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

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

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

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two assists.

This represents twice the goals tally any competitor has scored in Europe.

He remains the highest scorer in these preliminary games in every region, including areas where national sides participate double the matches.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

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

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven assists.

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the truth that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million citizens and we feature both the premier attacker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, absolutely including the top creators, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in decades Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their squad in global competition.

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

His father, Alf Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 World Cup.

Erling has previously said exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication recently.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the list of great players who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who won trophies with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.