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Generational striker Erling Haaland earns 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 remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This positions him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland stated following the match: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

Norway's previous highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

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

This represents twice the scoring total any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, including areas where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the truth that in this generation we also have Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we possess both the top forward and I'd propose the best playmaker, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

The Scandinavian country featured in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

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

Erling has previously said exceeding his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet in recent months.

Escaping Historical Exclusion

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, viewed by plenty as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano played for three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.