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Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a crack at his initial international competition this coming summer, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

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

The striker commented post-game: "I'm happy, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

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

How Important Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

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

Furthermore he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

Norway's previous highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two assists.

This amounts to double the goals tally any other player has scored in Europe.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in any continent, including areas where teams play double the matches.

Beyond a full year has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in UEFA qualification - seven.

The London club's midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap 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.

Our nation represents of five million people and we have both the best striker and I'd propose the best playmaker, definitely among the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

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

The Scandinavian country featured in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and the 2000 Euros.

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

Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his dad represented a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine recently.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his addition to the roster of legendary footballers who missed World Cup action.

Three best player awardees never managed to qualify for the World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano featured for three national teams - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with any of them.