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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

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

Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

The striker commented afterwards: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

And in fact he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.

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

This represents twice the goal count anyone else has scored in Europe.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in every region, including areas where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't solely about one player.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this generation we also have Martin Odegaard," stated an analyst.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we have both the best striker and I'd propose the top creator, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

Initially in a generation Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

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

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the upcoming 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 qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano represented three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any of them.