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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland secures a crack at his premier global event in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

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

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

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

The striker commented post-game: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

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

How Important Has Haaland Been?

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

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

Additionally he is only the sixth player ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in less than 50 appearances.

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

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

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

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifiers in every region, including areas where teams play twice the number of encounters.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any competitor in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

The London club's midfielder 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 period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

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

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in many years Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their squad in global competition.

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

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

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

The African icon, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Los Blancos icon the Argentine-Spanish star featured for three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.