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Generational marksman Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his premier global event in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in every one of those games.

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, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will competing 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 considerable expectation and factors, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks only their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for nine decades.

In these qualifiers he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goals tally any other player has scored in Europe.

He is the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including areas where squads compete twice as more games.

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

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

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

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

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

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," said an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we feature both the top forward and I'd propose the premier midfielder, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in a generation Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their squad in global competition.

The Scandinavian country featured in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and Euro 2000.

Haaland's father, Alf Inge, featured in the 1994 tournament.

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

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

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to 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 couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.