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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.

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

The striker commented following the match: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's fun."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

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

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight encounters - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the scoring total any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He is the highest scorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where squads compete double the matches.

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

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in UEFA qualification - seven setups.

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

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

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we have both the top forward and I would argue the premier midfielder, definitely among the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

His father, Alf Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 tournament.

Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

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

Famous United forward George Best, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer represented three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with either country.