TL;DR — Who's Better, Ivory Coast or Norway?
Ivory Coast and Norway are nearly inseparable on paper for the 2026 World Cup. Our model gives Norway a slim 42% win probability versus Ivory Coast, with a 20% chance of a draw — average squad ratings differ by just 0.2 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 Ivory Coast and Norway 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: Ivory Coast vs Norway
- •FIFA Ranking: Norway sit 10 places higher on the FIFA ranking (#28 vs #38).
- •Squad Chemistry: Ivory Coast have stronger squad cohesion (74/100 vs 69/100).
- •Average Squad Rating: Norway carry the higher average player rating (6.9 vs 6.7).
- •International Experience: Ivory Coast bring more combined caps to the squad (633 vs 612).
- •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
Norway
Squad Comparison
Key Player Matchups
World Cup History
Ivory Coast vs Norway — Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to win between Ivory Coast and Norway at the 2026 World Cup?
Ivory Coast and Norway are essentially even. Our AI model gives Norway a slight 42% win probability versus 38% for Ivory Coast, with a 20% chance of a draw — within the model's noise range.
What are Ivory Coast's strongest attributes versus Norway?
Ivory Coast lead Norway in squad chemistry, team familiarity, squad morale. Norway do not lead in any of the four chemistry metrics.
What is the World Cup history of Ivory Coast versus Norway?
Ivory Coast have appeared in 4 FIFA World Cups and won 0 titles; Norway have appeared in 3 World Cups and won 0 titles. Ivory Coast's best finish is Group stage; Norway's best finish is Round of 16.
Have Ivory Coast and Norway faced each other in major international competition?
Ivory Coast and Norway 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 Norway match?
Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast, Brighton, rated 7.2/10) and Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City, rated 9/10) 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 Norway?
Ivory Coast carry the more experienced squad, with 633 combined senior caps versus 612 for Norway. Average squad rating is 6.7 for Ivory Coast and 6.9 for Norway.