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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his initial international competition this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in all those encounters.

This positions him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

And his country's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, means they will be playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

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

He has registered 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 under 50 international games.

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

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

This represents twice the scoring total anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He remains the top scorer in these qualifiers in all continents, even in regions where squads compete twice as more games.

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

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the truth that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the top forward and I would argue the top creator, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Qualification

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

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

Haaland's father, Alf Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 World Cup.

Haaland has earlier stated being better than his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication in recent months.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three Ballon d'Or winners never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano played for three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.