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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his premier global event next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in all those encounters.

This positions him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

And in fact he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for nine decades.

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the goal count any competitor has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including ones where national sides participate twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in European qualifying - seven assists.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this period we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million citizens and we possess both the best striker and I would argue the premier midfielder, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

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

His father, Alf Inge Haaland, played at the 1994 World Cup.

The striker has mentioned before surpassing his father was a big career ambition 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 global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three Ballon d'Or winners never managed to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, considered by many as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer played for three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.