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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland earns an opportunity in his premier global event in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I sense it. But it's exciting."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

In these qualifiers he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two goal contributions.

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

He is the highest scorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including ones where teams play double the matches.

More than twelve months has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any competitor in European qualifying - seven assists.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we have both the best striker and I would argue the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in a generation Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

Their nation competed in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

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

Erling has previously said being better than 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.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his addition to the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

The African icon, who secured titles with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano featured for three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with any of them.