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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his initial international competition next summer, following his guidance 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 each of those matches.

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

And his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

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

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

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

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two assists.

That is double the goal count any competitor has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifiers in any continent, including areas where teams play double the matches.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in UEFA qualification - seven assists.

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," said a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we possess both the premier attacker and I would argue the top creator, definitely among the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Qualification

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

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

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

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

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three Ballon d'Or winners never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.

Los Blancos icon the Argentine-Spanish star represented three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with either country.