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Generational marksman Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

This positions him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the first in 53 years, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two assists.

That is double the goals tally anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

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

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't solely about one player.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his initial cap at the young age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the fact 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, definitely among the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

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

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.

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

Dodging Historical Omission

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

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who haven't qualified for 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 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano featured for three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with either country.