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Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland secures a crack at his premier global event next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

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

That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented afterwards: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

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

The Crucial Role Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to net 50 strikes in under 50 international games.

The nation's former highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

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

This amounts to double the goal count any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in all continents, even in regions where national sides participate double the matches.

More than twelve months has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't solely about one player.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

The Gunners playmaker has featured in 67 matches for Norway since making his debut at the age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the fact that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we have both the best striker and I would argue the premier midfielder, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

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

Norway competed in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

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

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

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano featured for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any of them.