Norway's star striker Secures Global Tournament Spot for the Norwegian squad

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his premier global event next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in each of those matches.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.

And his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's fun."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Did Haaland Play?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

And in fact he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the goal count any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He is the top scorer in these qualifiers in every region, including ones where national sides participate twice as more games.

Over a year has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European qualifying - seven.

The Gunners playmaker has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million citizens and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 tournament.

Erling has previously said surpassing his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

Haaland's qualification for the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano featured for three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.