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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his premier global event in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

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

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I feel it. But it's fun."

This marks only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 Euros.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for 90 years.

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This represents twice the goals tally any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in all continents, even in regions where squads compete double the matches.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any other player in UEFA qualification - seven assists.

The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since his initial cap at the young age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we feature both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, absolutely including the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in a generation Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

Norway participated 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 surpassing his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

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

George Weah, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

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

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano featured for three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.