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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament this coming summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

This establishes him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

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

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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 register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former top scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for 90 years.

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

This represents twice the goals tally anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the highest scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

Over a year has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the fact that in this period we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the best striker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, definitely among the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

For the first time in decades Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

His father, Alf Inge Haaland, featured 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," the striker mentioned to an international magazine recently.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with various top teams, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano represented three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.