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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his premier global event this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I feel it. But it's fun."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

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

The nation's former highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the goal count any competitor has scored in Europe.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in all continents, including areas where national sides participate twice as more games.

Over a year has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the fact that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

We're a country of five million inhabitants and we feature both the top forward and I would argue the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in a generation Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

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

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

Erling has previously said exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a global media outlet earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees never managed to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano featured for three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.