🔗 Share this article

Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

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

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

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

The striker commented afterwards: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Furthermore he is only the sixth player ever, and the premier in half a century, to net 50 strikes in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the scoring total anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifiers in every region, even in regions where squads compete twice as more games.

Over a year has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven.

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

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we feature both the top forward and I'd suggest the top creator, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

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

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 tournament.

Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication earlier this year.

Escaping Historical Exclusion

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

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

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