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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, means they will be playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented following the match: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This represents twice the scoring total anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the highest scorer in these qualifiers in every region, even in regions where national sides participate double the matches.

Over a year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million citizens and we have both the premier attacker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, definitely among the top creators, in the Premier League.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

Initially in decades Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their squad in global competition.

Norway participated in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and the 2000 European Championship.

Erling's dad, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 tournament.

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet in recent months.

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

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

Famous United forward George Best, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano featured for three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with either country.