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Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I feel it. But it's fun."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

This represents twice the scoring total any other player has scored in Europe.

He remains the top scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, even in regions where national sides participate double the matches.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven assists.

The Gunners playmaker has featured in 67 matches for Norway since making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

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

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we feature both the premier attacker and I would argue the best playmaker, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Qualification

Initially in many years Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

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

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

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a major publication earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees never managed to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Ireland international during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon the footballing pioneer played for three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.