🔗 Share this article

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his premier global event next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in all those encounters.

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

And his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

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

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the goals tally any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the highest scorer in these qualifiers in every region, even in regions where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

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

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in European qualifying - seven setups.

The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said an analyst.

We're a country of five million citizens and we feature both the premier attacker and I would argue the premier midfielder, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

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

Their nation featured in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and Euro 2000.

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

The striker has mentioned before surpassing his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a major publication in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

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

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer played for three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with either country.