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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland secures a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in each of those matches.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

This marks only their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goals tally any competitor has scored in Europe.

He stands as the top scorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

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

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the young age of 15.

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

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we feature both the best striker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, certainly one of the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

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

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

Erling has previously said surpassing his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a major publication recently.

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

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

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Los Blancos icon the Argentine-Spanish star represented three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any of them.