🔗 Share this article

Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland secures a crack at his premier global event this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

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

The Crucial Role Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is only the sixth player ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

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

This represents twice the goals tally anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the top scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice as more games.

Over a year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we feature both the top forward and I would argue the premier midfielder, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

Initially in decades Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

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

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

Erling has previously said surpassing his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a major publication recently.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his addition to the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, viewed by plenty as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer featured for three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.