Norway was ranked higher than Côte d’Ivoire based on the match coverage available, and Norway also beat Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup round of 16.

[9] [9]
Team What the available sources show
Norway Ranked higher and won the matchup 2-1.
Côte d’Ivoire Ranked lower in the matchup context and lost 2-1.
TL;DR: Norway came out ahead.