🔗 Share this article

Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.

That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in all continents.

And his national team's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's fun."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

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 just the sixth footballer ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

In these qualifiers he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

This amounts to double the goals tally anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any competitor in European qualifying - seven.

The London club's midfielder has played 67 times 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," said an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we have both the top forward and I would argue the premier midfielder, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in many years Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

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

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

Erling has previously said surpassing his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

George Weah, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano represented three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.