🔗 Share this article

Generational marksman Erling Haaland secures an opportunity in his premier global event in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in remarkable fashion, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in any continent.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

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

In these qualifiers he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.

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

He is the top scorer in these qualifiers in any continent, including areas where teams play double the matches.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

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

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in European qualifying - seven assists.

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

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

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we have both the best striker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Significance of Qualification

Initially in many years Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

His father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 tournament.

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who secured titles with various top teams, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano represented three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.