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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in all those encounters.

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

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

This represents only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in under 50 international games.

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

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goal count any other player has scored in Europe.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifiers in all continents, even in regions where squads compete twice as more games.

Over a year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the truth that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we feature both the top forward and I'd suggest the best playmaker, definitely among the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

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

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 World Cup.

Haaland has earlier stated being better than his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication recently.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the list of great players who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners never managed to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with various top teams, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer represented three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any of them.