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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

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

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to register 50 finishes in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for almost a century.

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

This amounts to double the goals tally any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the top scorer in these qualifying matches in all continents, even in regions where squads compete twice as more games.

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

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

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

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since his initial cap at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the best striker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

His father, Alf Inge, featured in the 1994 tournament.

Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his father was a big career ambition for him.

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

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his addition to the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

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

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.