🔗 Share this article

Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his first major tournament this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - 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.

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

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

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Additionally 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 Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

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

This represents twice the scoring total anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we possess both the best striker and I'd propose the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in a generation Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

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

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

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

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a global media outlet earlier this year.

Escaping Historical Oversight

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

Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

The African icon, who won trophies with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer featured for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.