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Generational marksman Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his premier global event in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This positions him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in any continent.

And his country's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 Euros.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.

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

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.

Norway's previous top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for nine decades.

During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the goal count any competitor has scored in Europe.

He stands as the top scorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including areas where squads compete twice as more games.

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

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

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

The London club's midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this era we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," said an analyst.

Our nation represents of five million people and we possess both the top forward and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, definitely among the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of Qualification

Initially in many years Norway fans will experience the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

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

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

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

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet recently.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, featured 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 failed to qualify.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star played for three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any national team.