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Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his first major tournament next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in all those encounters.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland stated post-game: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and stuff, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."

This marks just their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has registered 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 register 50 finishes in less than 50 appearances.

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

In these qualifiers he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two assists.

This represents twice the goals tally any other player has scored in Europe.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these qualifying matches in any continent, including areas where squads compete twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

However, it's not just a one-man show.

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

The Gunners playmaker has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the fact that in this period we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we possess both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the Premier League.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in many years Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their squad in global competition.

Norway competed in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and Euro 2000.

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

Erling has previously said being better than his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine in recent months.

Escaping Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

The African icon, who won trophies with various top teams, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano represented three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.