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Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his premier global event this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in every one of those games.

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

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

This represents only their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

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

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the goals tally any other player has scored in Europe.

He remains the highest scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including ones where national sides participate twice as more games.

More than twelve months has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in European qualifying - seven.

The London club's midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the young age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said a football expert.

We're a country of five million citizens and we have both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, certainly one of the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

The Scandinavian country featured in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 World Cup.

Erling has previously said surpassing his father was a major professional goal for him.

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

Escaping Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The African icon, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon the footballing pioneer played for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with either country.