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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his premier global event this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in all those encounters.

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

And his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

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

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

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former highest scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the scoring total any competitor has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, including ones where national sides participate double the matches.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't just a one-man show.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven.

The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," said a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we have both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their squad in global competition.

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

His father, Alf Inge, participated in the 1994 competition.

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

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine recently.

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland heading to the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The African icon, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star played for three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.