Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland will get an opportunity in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.
And the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through outstanding performance, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - netting at least once in every one of those games.
This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.
And his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will participating in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.
The striker commented following the match: "I'm pleased, but primarily relieved. There's a lot of pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's enjoyable."
It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since the 2000 Euros.
How Important Did Haaland Play?
Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.
He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.
And in fact he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.
The nation's former leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who held that record for 90 years.
During these qualifying matches he registered 16 finishes - in eight matches - plus two assists.
That is double the goals tally any competitor has registered in European qualifying.
He is the top scorer in these qualifiers in all continents, including areas where squads compete double the matches.
More than twelve months has gone by since Haaland previously didn't score in a international appearance.
Squad Contribution Alongside Haaland
Yet it isn't only about Haaland.
Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven setups.
The Arsenal midfielder has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.
"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the reality that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.
Norway is a nation of five million inhabitants and we have both the premier attacker and I'd propose the top creator, absolutely including the best playmakers, in the Premier League.
Historical Importance of Successful Qualification
For the premier occasion in a generation Norway supporters will enjoy the joy of supporting their team at an international tournament.
Their nation featured in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and Euro 2000.
Haaland's father, Alf Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 tournament.
The striker has mentioned before exceeding his father was a major professional goal for him.
"Norway will never win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a global media outlet recently.
Avoiding Historical Omission
Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.
Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.
George Weah, who won trophies with Monaco, PSG, AC Milan and Chelsea, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.
Legendary Red Devils attacker George Best, regarded by numerous as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Irish representative during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.
Real Madrid legend the Argentine-Spanish star played for three countries - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.
