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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his initial international competition next summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - finding the back of the net consistently in each of those matches.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

The striker commented post-game: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

Furthermore he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who kept that distinction for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.

This represents twice the scoring total any competitor has registered in European qualifying.

He is the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including areas where national sides participate twice as more games.

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

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

However, it's not solely about one player.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any other player in UEFA qualification - seven.

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

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million inhabitants and we feature both the best striker and I'd suggest the top creator, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the EPL.

Historical Importance of Qualification

For the first time in decades Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.

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

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

Haaland has earlier stated being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a major publication in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland heading to the upcoming World Cup with Norway means he avoids his name going on the roster of legendary footballers who missed World Cup action.

Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to qualify for the World Cup.

George Weah, who won trophies with various top teams, played for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, viewed by plenty as one of football's greatest players, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer featured for three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with either country.