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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland secures an opportunity in his first major tournament this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with outstanding performance, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

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

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

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

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

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the premier in half a century, to register 50 finishes in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

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

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

He stands as the highest scorer in these preliminary games in every region, including areas where national sides participate double the matches.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any other player in European qualifying - seven.

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

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

Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the top forward and I'd suggest the top creator, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 tournament.

Erling has previously said being better than his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano played for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with either country.