Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland earns a chance to play in his first major tournament next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.
And the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with outstanding performance, netting 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in all those encounters.
That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in every region.
Moreover, his squad's 4-1 win in Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The striker commented post-game: "I'm delighted, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I feel it. But it's fun."
It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.
The Crucial Role Did Haaland Play?
His goal tally for Norway is truly extraordinary.
He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.
Furthermore he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to net 50 strikes in fewer than 50 caps.
Norway's previous top scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.
Throughout these preliminary games he scored 16 goals - in eight encounters - plus two assists.
This represents twice the goal count anyone else has registered in European qualifying.
He is the top scorer in these qualifiers in every region, including areas where national sides participate twice as more games.
Over a year has passed since Haaland most recently didn't net in a game for Norway.
Team Effort Beyond Haaland
But it is not only about Haaland.
Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven assists.
The London club's midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since making his debut at the age of 15.
"Merge Haaland's accomplishments with the truth 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 top creator, absolutely including the premier midfielders, in the English top flight.
Historical Relevance of Successful Qualification
For the first time in a generation Norway fans will experience the pleasure of cheering their team at an international tournament.
Their nation participated in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.
Haaland's father, Alf Inge Haaland, featured in the 1994 World Cup.
Haaland has earlier stated surpassing his dad represented a major professional goal for him.
"Norway will not win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine recently.
Escaping Historical Omission
Haaland's qualification for next summer's World Cup with Norway means he avoids his addition to the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.
Three Ballon d'Or winners couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.
George Weah, who claimed championships with various top teams, played for Liberia - who didn't make it to a World Cup.
Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, viewed by plenty as a true legend of the game, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they did not qualify.
Madrid superstar Alfredo di Stefano featured for three nations - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but couldn't reach a World Cup with either country.
