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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

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

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

And his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's fun."

This represents only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

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

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

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

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

He remains the highest scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including areas where squads compete double the matches.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

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

The London club's midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

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

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we have both the top forward and I would argue the premier midfielder, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Qualification

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

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

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

Erling has previously said exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three best player awardees never managed to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer played for three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.