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Once-in-a-generation goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I experience it. But it's fun."

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

How Important Did Haaland Play?

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 only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

The nation's former top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for almost a century.

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight encounters - plus two assists.

This amounts to double the goal count any other player has scored in Europe.

He is the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including areas where squads compete double the matches.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any other player in UEFA qualification - seven.

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

"Combine Haaland's success with the reality that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

We're a country of five million people and we feature both the best striker and I would argue the best playmaker, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the English top flight.

Historical Importance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

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

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

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three best player awardees didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star represented three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.