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Once-in-a-generation goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

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

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

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goals tally any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the top scorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where squads compete twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

However, it's not just a one-man show.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

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

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in decades Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

Their nation participated in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

Erling's dad, Alf-Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 World Cup.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet recently.

Escaping Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway means he avoids his addition to the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

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

George Weah, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano played for three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.