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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland secures a crack at his premier global event next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in outstanding performance, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

And his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I experience it. But it's fun."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

The Crucial Role Did Haaland Play?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two goal contributions.

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

He is the top scorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, even in regions where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this period we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we have both the best striker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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

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

Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

The African icon, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to 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 couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star represented three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with either country.