Generational marksman Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming season, following his guidance Norway to the World Cup.
Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker accomplished it through remarkable fashion, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - finding the back of the net consistently in each of those matches.
That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.
And his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, guarantees they'll be competing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.
Haaland stated afterwards: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's a lot of pressure and factors, and I feel it. But it's enjoyable."
This represents only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 Euros.
The Crucial Role Did Haaland Play?
The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.
He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for Norway.
Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in fewer than 50 caps.
The team's earlier leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for nine decades.
Throughout these preliminary games he registered 16 finishes - in eight games - plus two setup passes.
This represents twice the goal count any other player has registered in European qualifying.
He stands as the leading goalscorer in these qualifying matches in every region, including ones where squads compete double the matches.
Over a year has passed since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.
Collective Performance Beyond Haaland
But it is not solely about one player.
Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven.
The Gunners playmaker has featured in 67 matches for Norway since his initial cap at the age of 15.
"Pair Haaland's achievements with the reality that in this period we also have Martin Odegaard," commented a Norwegian journalist.
Our nation represents of five million people and we possess both the premier attacker and I would argue the best playmaker, definitely among the top creators, in the Premier League.
Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification
Initially in many years Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.
The Scandinavian country participated in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.
Haaland's father, Alf Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 World Cup.
Erling has previously said being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.
"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to an international magazine in recent months.
Escaping Historical Omission
Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway means he avoids his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.
Three best player awardees couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.
The Liberian legend, who won trophies with multiple European clubs, represented Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.
Legendary Red Devils attacker the Northern Irish star, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they failed to qualify.
Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star represented three national teams - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.
