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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's fun."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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 register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight encounters - plus two assists.

That is double the goal count any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including ones where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't just a one-man show.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European qualifying - seven assists.

The London club's midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the fact that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the top creator, definitely among the top creators, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

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

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 tournament.

Haaland has earlier stated being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Omission

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

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

The African icon, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star featured for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.