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Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in remarkable fashion, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

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

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will playing 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 considerable expectation and stuff, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goals tally any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He is the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including ones where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full 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.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his initial cap at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million people and we have both the top forward and I'd suggest the top creator, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Importance of Qualification

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

Their nation participated in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

His father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 tournament.

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a significant personal target for him.

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

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

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

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano featured for three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with either country.