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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland secures a crack at his premier global event in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland stated following the match: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I feel it. But it's fun."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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 score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

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

This amounts to double the goal count anyone else has scored in Europe.

He stands as the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, including areas where squads compete twice as more games.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

However, it's not just a one-man show.

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

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

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we possess both the best striker and I'd suggest the top creator, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

Initially in decades Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

The Scandinavian country participated in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and the 2000 Euros.

Erling's dad, Alf Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 tournament.

Erling has previously said exceeding his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a major publication earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star represented three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with any of them.