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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

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

Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

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

How Important Has Haaland Been?

His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

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

And in fact he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two assists.

This represents twice the goals tally anyone else has scored in Europe.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifiers in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice as more games.

Over a year has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a match for his country.

Collective Performance Beyond Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

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

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

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

Our nation represents of five million people and we feature both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the top creator, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of World Cup Spot

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

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 World Cup.

Erling has previously said being better than his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a global media outlet in recent months.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his name going on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees never managed to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon the Argentine-Spanish star featured for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with any of them.