🔗 Share this article

Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through sensational style, registering 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 qualification in every region.

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

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

The nation's former highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two assists.

This represents twice the goals tally any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the highest scorer in these qualifiers in any continent, including ones where squads compete double the matches.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we feature both the top forward and I'd propose the best playmaker, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Qualification

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

Their nation featured in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and the 2000 Euros.

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

Erling has previously said surpassing his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a global media outlet recently.

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano featured for three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.