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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his first major tournament this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - scoring in every match in each of those matches.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

What Significance Did Haaland Play?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for nine decades.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two assists.

That is double the scoring total anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in every region, including ones where national sides participate twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the truth that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we feature both the top forward and I would argue the premier midfielder, absolutely including the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in a generation Norway followers will witness the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

Their nation competed in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

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

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his addition to the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

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

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano played for three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.