TL;DR — Who's Better, Ivory Coast or Paraguay?
Ivory Coast are favored over Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, with our AI model projecting a 46% win probability for Ivory Coast versus 36% for Paraguay (and 18% for a draw). The edge is driven primarily by Ivory Coast's higher squad chemistry, though Paraguay remain capable of an upset on tournament form.
The Bottom Line
Ivory Coast hold a slight edge over Paraguay, driven primarily by their superior squad chemistry. However, Paraguay possess the quality to cause an upset, particularly if their high morale translates into a disciplined performance on the day.
Key Differences: Ivory Coast vs Paraguay
- •FIFA Ranking: Ivory Coast sit 14 places higher on the FIFA ranking (#38 vs #52).
- •Squad Chemistry: Ivory Coast have stronger squad cohesion (74/100 vs 66/100).
- •Average Squad Rating: The two squads are rated within 0.2 of each other on average (Ivory Coast 6.7, Paraguay 6.6).
- •International Experience: Ivory Coast bring more combined caps to the squad (633 vs 604).
- •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.
Ivory Coast
Paraguay
Squad Comparison
Key Player Matchups
World Cup History
Ivory Coast vs Paraguay — Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to win between Ivory Coast and Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup?
Ivory Coast are favored, with a 46% projected win probability versus 36% for Paraguay and a 18% chance of a draw. The edge comes from a combination of FIFA ranking, squad chemistry, and current form.
What are Ivory Coast's strongest attributes versus Paraguay?
Ivory Coast lead Paraguay in squad chemistry, team familiarity, tactical stability, squad morale. Paraguay do not lead in any of the four chemistry metrics.
What is the World Cup history of Ivory Coast versus Paraguay?
Ivory Coast have appeared in 4 FIFA World Cups and won 0 titles; Paraguay have appeared in 9 World Cups and won 0 titles. Ivory Coast's best finish is Group stage; Paraguay's best finish is Quarter-finals.
Have Ivory Coast and Paraguay faced each other in major international competition?
Ivory Coast and Paraguay 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 Ivory Coast versus Paraguay match?
Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast, Brighton, rated 7.2/10) and Julio Enciso (Paraguay, Brighton, rated 7/10) 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: Ivory Coast or Paraguay?
Ivory Coast carry the more experienced squad, with 633 combined senior caps versus 604 for Paraguay. Average squad rating is 6.7 for Ivory Coast and 6.6 for Paraguay.