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Generational marksman Erling Haaland earns a crack at his initial international competition in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

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

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

And in fact he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in under 50 international games.

The nation's former leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two assists.

This amounts to double the scoring total anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the highest scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, even in regions where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

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

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in UEFA qualification - seven.

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

We're a country of five million citizens and we possess both the top forward and I'd suggest the top creator, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

The Scandinavian country featured in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

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

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

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a global media outlet recently.

Escaping Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

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

George Weah, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

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