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Once-in-a-generation striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his initial international competition in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Premier League striker did it in remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in all those encounters.

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

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I feel it. But it's fun."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 European Championship.

How Important Has Haaland Been?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

The nation's former highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for nine decades.

In these qualifiers he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goal count any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He is the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice the number of encounters.

More than twelve months has passed since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.

Team Effort Alongside Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than anyone else in European preliminary matches - seven.

The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his initial cap at the age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we feature both the best striker and I would argue the top creator, definitely among the best playmakers, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

Initially in many years Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.

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

His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 World Cup.

The striker has mentioned before surpassing his dad represented a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication in recent months.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with various top teams, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

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