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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his first major tournament this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

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

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

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

In these qualifiers he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goal count any other player has scored in Europe.

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

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't solely about one player.

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

The Gunners playmaker has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the age of 15.

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

Norway is a nation of five million people and we have both the premier attacker and I'd propose the best playmaker, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Qualification

Initially in a generation Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

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

The striker has mentioned before being better than his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

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

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the list of great players who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.