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Generational marksman Erling Haaland secures a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in all those encounters.

This positions him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

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

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

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

That is double the goal count anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the highest scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including areas where squads compete twice as more games.

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

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

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

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million people and we possess both the best striker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, certainly one of the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in a generation Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

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

Haaland's father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 competition.

The striker has mentioned before surpassing his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine in recent months.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges 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 multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano featured for three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.