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Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his first major tournament this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

This positions him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in any continent.

And his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I sense it. But it's fun."

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

How Important Did Haaland Play?

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

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

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for almost a century.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.

This amounts to double the goals tally anyone else has scored in Europe.

He is the highest scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including areas where national sides participate double the matches.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in European qualifying - seven.

The London club's midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the reality that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

We're a country of five million citizens and we feature both the best striker and I'd suggest the top creator, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

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

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

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

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

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with various top teams, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star represented three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.