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Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his premier global event this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in outstanding performance, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in each of those matches.

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

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's fun."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two assists.

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

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in all continents, including ones where squads compete double the matches.

More than twelve months has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't just a one-man show.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven assists.

The Gunners playmaker has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we feature both the best striker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in a generation Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

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

Erling's dad, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 competition.

Haaland has earlier stated being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.

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

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his addition to the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

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

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

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.