🔗 Share this article

Generational marksman Erling Haaland secures a crack at his first major tournament this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

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

The striker commented following the match: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

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

How Important Has Haaland Been?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for almost a century.

In these qualifiers he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

This represents twice the goal count anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

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

Over a year has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in European qualifying - seven.

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

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we have both the best striker and I'd propose the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in a generation Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

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

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

Erling has previously said exceeding his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

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

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his name going on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

George Weah, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.

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