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Once-in-a-generation goalgetter Erling Haaland secures an opportunity in his first major tournament next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

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

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

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

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's fun."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

In these qualifiers he scored 16 goals - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the goal count anyone else has scored in Europe.

He remains the top scorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

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

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

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

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

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

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 World Cup.

Haaland has earlier stated being better than his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a global media outlet recently.

Escaping Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano featured for three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.