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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in all continents.

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

The striker commented afterwards: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

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

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

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

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for almost a century.

In these qualifiers he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the goal count any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the top scorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European qualifying - seven.

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 era we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we have both the premier attacker and I'd propose the top creator, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of Qualification

For the first time in a generation Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

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

Erling has previously said being better than his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

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

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

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer represented three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.