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Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his initial international competition next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the highest scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

And his squad's 4-1 win versus 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 happy, but primarily relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I feel it. But it's exciting."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

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 Norway.

Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the first in 53 years, to register 50 finishes in under 50 international games.

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

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

This represents twice the goals tally any competitor has netted in UEFA matches.

He is the top scorer in these qualifiers in any continent, including areas where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

Over a year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Complementing Haaland

But it is not only about Haaland.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven.

The Gunners playmaker has played 67 times for Norway since his initial cap at the tender age of fifteen.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," said a football expert.

We're a country of five million citizens and we feature both the best striker and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, certainly one of the best playmakers, in the Premier League.

Historical Importance of Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

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

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 tournament.

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

"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine in recent months.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the list of great players who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients never managed to participate in the global tournament.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with various top teams, represented 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 failed to qualify.

Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano featured for three nations - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.