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

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

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

And his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I sense it. But it's exciting."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

During these qualifying matches 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 top scorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including ones where teams play twice as more games.

Over a year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven assists.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we have both the top forward and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, certainly one of the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

Initially in many years Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 competition.

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Los Blancos icon the footballing pioneer featured for three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with either country.