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Generational striker Erling Haaland earns an opportunity in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in all those encounters.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

And his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

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

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

He is the top scorer in these preliminary games in every region, even in regions where teams play double the matches.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

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

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven.

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

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

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we possess both the best striker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of Qualification

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

Norway featured in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

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

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his addition to the roster of legendary footballers who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star played for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.