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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland secures an opportunity in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.

That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.

Additionally, his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the goals tally any competitor has scored in Europe.

He is the top scorer in these qualifiers in all continents, including areas where national sides participate double the matches.

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

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't just a one-man show.

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

The Gunners playmaker has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the young age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said an analyst.

We're a country of five million inhabitants and we have both the premier attacker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, featured in the 1994 competition.

Erling has previously said surpassing his father was a big career ambition for him.

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

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the upcoming World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the list of great players who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.

Real Madrid legend the footballing pioneer represented three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with either country.