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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland secures a crack at his initial international competition this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.

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

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's fun."

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

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former top scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

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

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

He remains the top scorer in these qualifiers in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

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

The Gunners playmaker has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

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

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the premier attacker and I would argue the top creator, definitely among the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

Initially in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

The Scandinavian country participated in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

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

Erling has previously said exceeding his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication recently.

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland heading to 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 couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with various top teams, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

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