Norway's star striker Secures International Championship Qualification for the Norwegian squad

Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland earns a crack at his first major tournament this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

And his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, means they will be playing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

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

This amounts to double the goals tally anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the top scorer in these preliminary games in every region, even in regions where national sides participate double the matches.

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

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

But it is not 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 making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we have both the top forward and I'd propose the best playmaker, certainly one of the top creators, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

The Scandinavian country participated in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

Haaland's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 competition.

Erling has previously said surpassing his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine recently.

Escaping Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his addition to the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

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

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with various top teams, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any of them.