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

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

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

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

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

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

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

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the scoring total any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He is the top scorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, even in regions where squads compete double the matches.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven.

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we have both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, definitely among the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

Initially in many years Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

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

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

Erling has previously said surpassing his dad represented a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine recently.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the list of great players who didn't participate in the tournament.

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

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano represented three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.