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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his initial international competition next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in every one of those games.

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

And his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and factors, and I sense it. But it's exciting."

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

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

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

Norway's previous highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two assists.

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

He remains the leading goalscorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, even in regions where squads compete twice as more games.

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

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

However, it's not just a one-man show.

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

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million citizens and we possess both the best striker and I would argue the premier midfielder, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the excitement of backing their squad in global competition.

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 competition.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication recently.

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his addition to the list of great players who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

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

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

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