Generational striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his premier global event next summer, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.
Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - finding the back of the net consistently in all those encounters.
This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.
Additionally, his squad's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, featuring a Haaland brace, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Haaland stated post-game: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and stuff, and I sense it. But it's exciting."
It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 Euros.
How Important Has Haaland Been?
The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is absolutely remarkable.
He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.
Furthermore he is only the sixth player ever, and the first in 53 years, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.
Norway's previous leading goalscorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who held that record for 90 years.
During these qualifying matches he netted 16 strikes - in eight matches - plus two assists.
This represents twice the goal count any competitor has registered in European qualifying.
He is the leading goalscorer in these qualifiers in any continent, even in regions where teams play twice the number of encounters.
Over a year has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.
Team Effort Beyond Haaland
But it is not only about Haaland.
Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than anyone else in European preliminary matches - seven assists.
The London club's midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since making his debut at the age of 15.
"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this era we also have Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.
Norway is a nation of five million citizens and we have both the best striker and I'd propose the premier midfielder, certainly one of the premier midfielders, in the EPL.
Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot
Initially in decades Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their squad in global competition.
Their nation participated in the World Cups in 1938, 1994 and 1998, and the 2000 Euros.
Erling's dad, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 competition.
Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.
"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.
Avoiding Historical Exclusion
Haaland's participation in the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.
Three Ballon d'Or winners didn't succeed to qualify for the World Cup.
The Liberian legend, who secured titles with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.
Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.
Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano represented three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.
