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Generational striker Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in outstanding performance, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in every one of those games.

This positions him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's fun."

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

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in under 50 international games.

The nation's former leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two assists.

That is double the scoring total any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in any continent, even in regions where national sides participate double the matches.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

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

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

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

Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the top creator, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

Initially in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

Their nation participated in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and the 2000 Euros.

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

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

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication recently.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the upcoming World Cup 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 never managed to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who claimed championships with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer played for three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.