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Once-in-a-generation marksman Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his initial international competition 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 - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.

That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in all continents.

And his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Haaland, speaking following the match: "I'm delighted, but more relieved. There's considerable expectation and stuff, and I sense it. But it's fun."

This represents merely their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 European Championship.

What Significance Has Haaland Been?

Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.

Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

Norway's previous top scorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for almost a century.

Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight matches - plus two assists.

This represents twice the goal count anyone else has netted in UEFA matches.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifiers in every region, including ones where teams play twice as more games.

Over a year has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.

Team Effort Beyond Haaland

But it is not just a one-man show.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than anyone else in European qualifying - seven assists.

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the reality that in this generation we also have Martin Odegaard," stated a Norwegian journalist.

We're a country of five million citizens and we have both the top forward and I'd propose the best playmaker, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

Initially in decades Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their team at an international tournament.

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

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

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

"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a global media outlet earlier this year.

Avoiding Historical Omission

Haaland's qualification for next summer's World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who didn't participate in the tournament.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

The Liberian legend, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, regarded by numerous as one of football's greatest players, was a Ulster footballer during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Los Blancos icon the Argentine-Spanish star represented three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.