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

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in all continents.

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

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

How Important 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.

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

The nation's former top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.

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

This represents twice the goals tally any other player has scored in Europe.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, including areas where teams play double the matches.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

Yet it isn't solely about one player.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the top forward and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

The Scandinavian country participated 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.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine recently.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Famous United forward the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon the footballing pioneer featured for three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.