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Generational striker Erling Haaland secures an opportunity in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in every one of those games.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

And his squad's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

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

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Additionally he is only the sixth player ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

Norway's previous highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two assists.

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

He remains the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in any continent, including areas where squads compete twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

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

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than anyone else 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.

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

We're a country of five million inhabitants and we possess both the top forward and I would argue the top creator, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

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

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

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine recently.

Escaping Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his addition to the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

George Weah, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer played for three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.