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Generational striker Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his initial international competition this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

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

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be playing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I sense it. But it's fun."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.

This amounts to double the goals tally anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the highest scorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

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

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

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 competition.

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

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

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star featured for three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.