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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm happy, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

Additionally he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the scoring total any competitor has scored in Europe.

He is the highest scorer in these preliminary games in all continents, even in regions where squads compete twice as more games.

More than twelve months has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Beyond Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven setups.

The London club's 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 era we also have Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million inhabitants and we feature both the best striker and I would argue the top creator, absolutely including the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Qualification

Initially in many years Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

Haaland's father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 competition.

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

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who claimed championships with various top teams, represented Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

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