Elanga delivers stunning World Cup MOTM performance, Howe will hope he carries this form back to Newcastle | OneFootball

Newcastle United forward Anthony Elanga claimed the man-of-the-match award as Sweden beat Japan to advance to the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

The Magpies star delivered a sensational performance when his country needed him to help them seal qualification to the knockout round.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will have been pleased with what he saw from the pacy 24-year-old, who won 6/8 duels and won five fouls. He also carried the ball 16 times.

He crowned the performance by scoring one of the goals of the tournament so far to take his tally to two goals in three outings.

Elanga picked up the ball on the right, cut in on his left foot and thundered in a shot to pull his nation level, six minutes after Japan had taken the lead.

Howe will hope he carries this form back to Newcastle

The Newcastle transfer hierarchy knew he was capable of spectacular efforts like these when they shelled out big money to bring him to Saint James’ Park.

Unfortunately, he has struggled in the black and white of the Tyneside club, failing to score a single Premier League goal last term.

However, Elanga has shown on the biggest stage that his confidence and match-winning quality have not disappeared.

If anything, this World Cup could be the spark that reignites his Newcastle career.

Goals, decisive performances and the trust of his national team could give him the belief he has been lacking since arriving at St James’ Park.

Howe knows there is a dangerous winger in there, capable of stretching defences and producing moments of magic like the one against Japan.

Newcastle need that version of Elanga next season.

With the club hoping to qualify for the Champions League, they cannot afford another campaign where he fails to deliver.

Hopefully, this tournament proves to be the catalyst that gets Elanga firing on all cylinders once again.