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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland secures an opportunity in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

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

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

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

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's fun."

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

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former top scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

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

That is double the goals tally any competitor has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the top scorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, including ones where squads compete double the matches.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven.

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

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

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

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in a generation Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their squad in global competition.

Their nation competed in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

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

Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine in recent months.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three Ballon d'Or winners never managed to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who won trophies with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer represented three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with either country.