Extraordinary marksman Erling Haaland secures a chance to play in his first major tournament this coming summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.
Additionally, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker did it in sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.
That makes him the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in any continent.
And his national team's 4-1 win versus Italy on Sunday, with Haaland netting two goals, means they will be competing in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The striker commented post-game: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's significant pressure and things, and I experience it. But it's exciting."
This represents only their fourth World Cup, and their first major tournament since the 2000 European Championship.
What Significance Has Haaland Been?
Haaland's goalscoring record for Norway is absolutely remarkable.
He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.
Additionally he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the premier in half a century, to score 50 goals in less than 50 appearances.
Norway's previous highest scorer was 33-goal Jorgen Juve, who maintained that achievement for 90 years.
In these qualifiers he netted 16 strikes - in eight encounters - plus two setup passes.
That is double the scoring total any competitor has registered in European qualifying.
He remains the highest scorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where squads compete twice as more games.
More than twelve months has gone by since Haaland last failed to score in a game for Norway.
Collective Performance Beyond Haaland
However, it's not solely about one player.
Captain Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any competitor in European preliminary matches - seven assists.
The Gunners playmaker has made 67 appearances for Norway since his initial cap at the tender age of fifteen.
"Combine Haaland's success with the truth that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," said an analyst.
Norway is a nation of five million people and we possess both the top forward and I'd suggest the premier midfielder, definitely among the top creators, in the EPL.
Historical Relevance of World Cup Spot
Initially in many years Norway followers will witness the pleasure of cheering their national side in worldwide event.
Norway featured in the World Cups in 1994, 1998 and 1938, and Euro 2000.
Haaland's father, Alf Inge Haaland, participated in the 1994 tournament.
Haaland has earlier stated exceeding his dad represented a major professional goal for him.
"Norway will not win the World Cup," Haaland stated to a major publication in recent months.
Dodging Historical Omission
Haaland's qualification for the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who didn't participate in the tournament.
Three Ballon d'Or winners never managed to participate in the global tournament.
The African icon, who claimed championships with various top teams, represented Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.
Iconic Manchester United winger George Best, considered by many as a true legend of the game, was a Ulster footballer during the sixties and seventies when they failed to qualify.
Real Madrid legend Alfredo di Stefano represented three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but couldn't reach a World Cup with any of them.
