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Generational marksman Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.

Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in outstanding performance, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - netting at least once in all those encounters.

This positions him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in any continent.

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

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I sense it. But it's fun."

This marks merely their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.

The Crucial Role Has Haaland Been?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.

In these qualifiers he registered 16 finishes - in eight encounters - plus two goal contributions.

That is double the scoring total any other player has netted in UEFA matches.

He remains the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in all continents, including ones where teams play twice as more games.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

Yet it isn't only about Haaland.

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

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

"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the fact that in this generation we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.

Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we have both the best striker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, absolutely including the top creators, in the EPL.

Historical Significance of World Cup Spot

For the premier occasion in decades Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their national side in worldwide event.

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

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

Erling has previously said being better than his father was a major professional goal for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to a major publication in recent months.

Dodging Historical Omission

Haaland's participation in the upcoming World Cup with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.

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

The Liberian legend, who claimed championships with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Legendary Red Devils attacker the footballing genius, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano represented three countries - Argentina, Colombia and Spain - but never got to a World Cup with any of them.