🔗 Share this article

Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his premier global event next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League 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.

This positions him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

Norway's previous highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the goals tally anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the top scorer in these qualifiers in every region, including ones where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven.

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since making his debut at the age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the reality that in this period we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we possess both the best striker and I would argue the best playmaker, absolutely including the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Qualification

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

Norway featured in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

His father, Alf Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 World Cup.

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

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

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

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

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