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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a crack at his initial international competition next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in each of those matches.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in all continents.

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in less than 50 appearances.

Norway's previous highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight encounters - plus two assists.

This represents twice the scoring total any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the highest scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, even in regions where squads compete double the matches.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't solely about one player.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in UEFA qualification - 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 fact that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we have both the top forward and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, absolutely including the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at 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," the striker mentioned to a major publication in recent months.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

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

The African icon, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star played for three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with either country.