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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with 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 qualifying matches - finding the back of the net consistently in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm delighted, but more 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 the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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 net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight encounters - plus two assists.

That is double the goal count any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in every region, including areas where squads compete double the matches.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't solely about one player.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any competitor in UEFA qualification - seven.

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

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

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we have both the top forward and I'd propose the best playmaker, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 tournament.

Erling has previously said being better than his father was a major professional goal for him.

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

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star represented three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.