🔗 Share this article

Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

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

And his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

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

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

This represents twice the goal count any competitor has scored in Europe.

He remains the top scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including ones where squads compete twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

However, it's not just a one-man show.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than anyone else in European qualifying - seven setups.

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the truth that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," said a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we possess both the best striker and I'd propose the best playmaker, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of Qualification

For the first time in decades Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

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

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star represented three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.