TL;DR — Who's Better, England or Ivory Coast?
England are favored over Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup, with our AI model projecting a 44% win probability for England versus 35% for Ivory Coast (and 21% for a draw). The edge is driven primarily by England's higher squad chemistry, though Ivory Coast remain capable of an upset on tournament form.
The Bottom Line
England hold a slight edge over Ivory Coast, driven primarily by their superior squad chemistry. However, Ivory Coast possess the quality to cause an upset, particularly if their high morale translates into a disciplined performance on the day.
Key Differences: England vs Ivory Coast
- •FIFA Ranking: England sit 33 places higher on the FIFA ranking (#5 vs #38).
- •Squad Chemistry: England have stronger squad cohesion (77/100 vs 74/100).
- •Average Squad Rating: England carry the higher average player rating (7.2 vs 6.7).
- •International Experience: England bring more combined caps to the squad (719 vs 633).
- •World Cup Titles: England have won 1 World Cup; Ivory Coast have 0.
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.
England
Ivory Coast
Squad Comparison
Key Player Matchups
World Cup History
England vs Ivory Coast — Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to win between England and Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup?
England are favored, with a 44% projected win probability versus 35% for Ivory Coast and a 21% chance of a draw. The edge comes from a combination of FIFA ranking, squad chemistry, and current form.
What are England's strongest attributes versus Ivory Coast?
England lead Ivory Coast in squad chemistry, team familiarity, tactical stability. Ivory Coast, in turn, have the edge in squad morale.
What is the World Cup history of England versus Ivory Coast?
England have appeared in 16 FIFA World Cups and won 1 title; Ivory Coast have appeared in 4 World Cups and won 0 titles. England's best finish is Winners; Ivory Coast's best finish is Group stage.
Have England and Ivory Coast faced each other in major international competition?
England 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 England versus Ivory Coast match?
Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal, rated 8.2/10) 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: England or Ivory Coast?
England carry the more experienced squad, with 719 combined senior caps versus 633 for Ivory Coast. Average squad rating is 7.2 for England and 6.7 for Ivory Coast.