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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his premier global event in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

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

This positions him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

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

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I feel it. But it's fun."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight encounters - plus two assists.

That is double the goal count anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including ones where squads compete twice as more games.

Over a year has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

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

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the reality that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the best striker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the excitement of backing their squad in global competition.

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

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

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

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

Escaping Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the list of great players who didn't participate in the tournament.

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

George Weah, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.