🔗 Share this article

Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

This positions him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.

And his squad's 4-1 win against 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 stated following the match: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 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 score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for almost a century.

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This represents twice the goals tally any competitor has scored in Europe.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in every region, even in regions where teams play twice as more games.

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

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven.

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

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

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

Their nation competed in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and the 2000 European Championship.

His father, Alf Inge, participated in the 1994 competition.

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.

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

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer played for three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.