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Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

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

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland stated following the match: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I sense it. But it's fun."

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

What Significance Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for almost a century.

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goal count any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where teams play twice as more games.

More than twelve months has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

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

The Gunners playmaker has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the truth that in this generation we also have Martin Odegaard," said an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the premier attacker and I would argue the best playmaker, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Qualification

Initially in many years Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

The Scandinavian country 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.

Erling has previously said being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano represented three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.