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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament in the upcoming season, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup preliminary games - netting at least once in every one of those games.

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

And his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, guarantees they'll be playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm pleased, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's fun."

It will be merely their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since Euro 2000.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has registered 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

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

The nation's former leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for 90 years.

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

That is double the goal count anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in any continent, even in regions where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Complementing Haaland

However, it's not only about Haaland.

Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven assists.

The Gunners playmaker has featured in 67 matches for Norway since making his debut at the age of 15.

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this generation we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented a football expert.

Our nation represents of five million citizens and we have both the premier attacker and I'd suggest the best playmaker, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

For the first time in a generation Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.

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

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

Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a big career ambition for him.

"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication recently.

Avoiding Historical Exclusion

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

Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who claimed championships with multiple European clubs, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Madrid superstar the footballing pioneer played for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.