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Extraordinary striker Erling Haaland earns a crack at his premier global event next summer, thanks to his efforts with 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 preliminary games - netting at least once in every one of those games.

That makes him the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.

Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, means they will be competing in next summer's World Cup in North America.

The striker commented afterwards: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I experience it. But it's exciting."

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

The Crucial Role Did Haaland Play?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is truly extraordinary.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

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

Norway's previous highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for nine decades.

Throughout these preliminary games he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goal count any competitor has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in all continents, even in regions where squads compete double the matches.

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

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

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

The Arsenal midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the truth that in this period we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," said a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the best striker and I'd propose the top creator, certainly one of the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot

For the first time in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

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

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

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

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told an international magazine earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Oversight

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 golden ball recipients didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who claimed championships with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, viewed by plenty as among the best ever, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer represented three nations - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.