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Generational marksman Erling Haaland secures 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 achieved it with sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in every one of those games.

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

And his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

Additionally he is only the sixth player ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

In these qualifiers he netted 16 strikes - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the goals tally anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

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

Over a year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven.

The London club's midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the age of 15.

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

Our nation represents of five million people and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd propose the best playmaker, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

Initially in decades Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

Norway competed in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

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

Erling has previously said being better than his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway means he avoids his addition to the roster of legendary footballers who missed World Cup action.

Three golden ball recipients didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano represented three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with either country.