🔗 Share this article

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

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

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

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

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the goals tally any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He is the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in all continents, even in regions where teams play twice the number of encounters.

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

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

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

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we feature both the premier attacker and I would argue the premier midfielder, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in decades Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, featured in the 1994 competition.

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet recently.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three best player awardees never managed to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Ireland international during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with either country.