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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his initial international competition next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

This positions him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in all continents.

And his squad'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.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I feel it. But it's fun."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the first in 53 years, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

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

That is double the goals tally any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in all continents, even in regions where teams play twice as more games.

Over a year has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Collective Performance 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.

The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this period we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million citizens and we feature both the premier attacker and I would argue the premier midfielder, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

Their nation featured in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and Euro 2000.

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

Erling has previously said exceeding his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet in recent months.

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

The African icon, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, viewed by plenty as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

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