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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

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

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, means they will be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I feel it. But it's fun."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

What Significance Was Haaland's Contribution?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

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

This amounts to double the scoring total anyone else has scored in Europe.

He is the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in any continent, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in European qualifying - seven.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million people and we possess both the top forward and I would argue the best playmaker, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Significance of Qualification

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

Their nation featured in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

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

Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a major publication earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star represented three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.