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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his first major tournament this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

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

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for almost a century.

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

This amounts to double the goal count any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

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

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

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

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since his initial cap at the age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

We're a country of five million inhabitants and we feature both the top forward and I would argue the best playmaker, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

Initially in a generation Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their squad in global competition.

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

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

The striker has mentioned before being better than his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication recently.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

The African icon, who claimed championships with various top teams, featured 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 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer played for three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.