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Generational striker Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

This positions him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

And his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics 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 score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

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

In these qualifiers he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the goal count any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, including areas where teams play double the matches.

More than twelve months has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't just a one-man show.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in UEFA qualification - seven.

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we feature both the best striker and I would argue the best playmaker, certainly one of the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in a generation Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

Erling's dad, Alf-Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 competition.

Erling has previously said surpassing his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet recently.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star featured for three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.