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Generational marksman Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

And his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I sense it. But it's fun."

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

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

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

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

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

That is double the goals tally any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the top scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million people and we have both the premier attacker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, definitely among the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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

Haaland's father, Alf Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 tournament.

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

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication recently.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his addition to the roster of legendary footballers who missed World Cup action.

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

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with various top teams, 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 Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano represented three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.