🔗 Share this article

Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his initial international competition next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - finding the back of the net consistently in each of those matches.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win in 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, speaking following the match: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to register 50 finishes in under 50 international games.

The nation's former top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

In these qualifiers he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the scoring total any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He is the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, including areas where teams play twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't 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 featured in 67 matches for Norway since making his debut at the age of 15.

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

We're a country of five million citizens and we possess both the best striker and I would argue the premier midfielder, absolutely including the top creators, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

Initially in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

Norway participated in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and the 2000 Euros.

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 World Cup.

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

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine in recent months.

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with various top teams, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Los Blancos icon the footballing pioneer featured for three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.