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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland earns an opportunity in his first major tournament next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

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

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking afterwards: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I feel it. But it's fun."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for almost a century.

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the scoring total any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the top scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any other player in European qualifying - seven setups.

The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we feature both the best striker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, definitely among the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification

For the premier occasion in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their squad in global competition.

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

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 tournament.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his name going on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

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

George Weah, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the mid-century period when they failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer played for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.