TL;DR — Who's Better, Iran or Ivory Coast?
Iran and Ivory Coast are nearly inseparable on paper for the 2026 World Cup. Our model gives Iran a slim 40% win probability versus Ivory Coast, with a 20% chance of a draw — average squad ratings differ by just 0.1 points. Expect a tight, tactical encounter where in-match decisions and individual quality decide it.
The Bottom Line
This is an extremely tight matchup. Both Iran and Ivory Coast are evenly matched across key metrics, making this one of the most unpredictable potential encounters at the 2026 World Cup. Tactical execution and individual moments of brilliance will likely decide the outcome.
Key Differences: Iran vs Ivory Coast
- •FIFA Ranking: Iran sit 18 places higher on the FIFA ranking (#20 vs #38).
- •Squad Chemistry: Squad chemistry is essentially tied (Iran 73, Ivory Coast 74).
- •Average Squad Rating: The two squads are rated within 0.2 of each other on average (Iran 6.6, Ivory Coast 6.7).
- •International Experience: Iran bring more combined caps to the squad (1208 vs 633).
- •World Cup Titles: Neither side has won a World Cup; both are chasing a first title in 2026.
Who Wins?
Our AI model weighs form, squad quality, and team cohesion to predict the most likely outcome.
How They Compare
A side-by-side look at the key factors that could decide this matchup. Higher is better (except FIFA Ranking, where lower = stronger).
What do these mean?
- Chemistry — How well the squad plays together as a unit. Think Barcelona's tiki-taka vs a random group of all-stars.
- Familiarity — How long these players have been playing together. Squads with years of shared experience read each other's runs instinctively.
- Stability — How consistent the tactical system and lineup have been. Frequent coaching changes and formation experiments hurt this score.
- Morale — The squad's current confidence and momentum. Recent wins, fan support, and media positivity all contribute.
Iran
Ivory Coast
Squad Comparison
Key Player Matchups
World Cup History
Iran vs Ivory Coast — Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to win between Iran and Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup?
Iran and Ivory Coast are essentially even. Our AI model gives Iran a slight 40% win probability versus 40% for Ivory Coast, with a 20% chance of a draw — within the model's noise range.
What are Iran's strongest attributes versus Ivory Coast?
Iran lead Ivory Coast in team familiarity, tactical stability. Ivory Coast, in turn, have the edge in squad chemistry, squad morale.
What is the World Cup history of Iran versus Ivory Coast?
Iran have appeared in 6 FIFA World Cups and won 0 titles; Ivory Coast have appeared in 4 World Cups and won 0 titles. Iran's best finish is Group stage; Ivory Coast's best finish is Group stage.
Have Iran and Ivory Coast faced each other in major international competition?
Iran and Ivory Coast have not been frequent opponents in our tracked head-to-head record set, which focuses on the most consequential international rivalries. The 2026 World Cup could provide one of their first high-stakes meetings on the global stage.
Which players will define the Iran versus Ivory Coast match?
Mehdi Taremi (Iran, Inter Milan, rated 7.5/10) and Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast, Brighton, rated 7.2/10) are the standout attack players in this fixture. Their individual duel — and the ability of each side's defense to contain the other's top attacker — is likely to determine the outcome.
Which squad has more international experience: Iran or Ivory Coast?
Iran carry the more experienced squad, with 1208 combined senior caps versus 633 for Ivory Coast. Average squad rating is 6.6 for Iran and 6.7 for Ivory Coast.