Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.
Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with outstanding performance, registering 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - scoring in every match in all those encounters.
This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in every region.
Moreover, his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.
Haaland stated following the match: "I'm pleased, but more relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."
It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since the 2000 Euros.
What Significance Has Haaland Been?
His goal tally for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.
He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.
Additionally he is merely the sixth athlete ever, and the premier in half a century, to net 50 strikes in less than 50 appearances.
The nation's former highest scorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who held that record for nine decades.
Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.
This represents twice the goal count anyone else has registered in European qualifying.
He remains the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where squads compete twice as more games.
Over a year has elapsed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a international appearance.
Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland
However, it's not just a one-man show.
Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has additional assists than any other player in European qualifying - seven setups.
The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the tender age of fifteen.
"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.
Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we have both the premier attacker and I would argue the best playmaker, definitely among the best playmakers, in the Premier League.
Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification
For the premier occasion in a generation Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.
The Scandinavian country participated in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and Euro 2000.
Haaland's father, Alf Inge, participated in the 1994 World Cup.
Erling has previously said being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.
"Norway will cannot win the World Cup," Haaland Jr told a global media outlet earlier this year.
Dodging Historical Oversight
Haaland's participation in next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who missed World Cup action.
Three golden ball recipients never managed to reach a World Cup.
The African icon, who secured titles with various top teams, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.
Iconic Manchester United winger the Northern Irish star, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.
Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano featured for three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with either country.
