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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his initial international competition this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in every one of those games.

This positions him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

And his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 Euros.

The Crucial Role 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 just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

The nation's former highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for almost a century.

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two assists.

That is double the scoring total anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the top scorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, even in regions where teams play twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions 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 tender age of fifteen.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we have both the best striker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in many years Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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 dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a major publication in recent months.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his addition to the list of great players who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients never managed to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star featured for three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.