Croatia Coach Dalic Resigns, Federation Says
The federation said no replacement was named as Croatia ended Dalić’s nearly nine-year tenure after a 2-1 loss to Portugal.
- Zlatko Dalic has resigned as Croatia national team head coach, ending a nearly nine-year tenure, the Croatian Football Federation announced on Wednesday.
- The departure follows Croatia's 2-1 loss to Portugal in the World Cup round of 32 on July 2, 2026, with Dalic stating it is the "right moment to bring this incredible era to a close."
- Under Dalic, the squad featuring Luka Modric achieved runner-up finishes at the 2018 World Cup and 2023 Nations League, plus third place at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
- HNS head Marijan Kustic stated that "Zlatko's name will remain forever written in golden letters," as the Croatian Football Federation praised Dalic's "unforgettable journey."
- Local media are identifying former international Slaven Bilic as a candidate to succeed Dalic, though the federation has not yet announced a replacement; Bilic previously coached West Ham United and Saudi Arabian clubs.
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Coach Zlato Dalic, who led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, announced on Wednesday his resignation as a coach after nine years in the post, days after the elimination against Portugal in the 2026 World Cup.
Zlatko Dalic steps down as Croatia coach after nine years
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Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic steps down
Zlatko Dalic stepped down on Wednesday after nearly nine years as the head coach of the Croatia national team. Dalic, 59, exited on the heels of the club's 2-1 setback to Portugal in the round of 32 at the World Cup. Dalic guided Croatia to a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia
Shafaq News - Follow-up: Fourteen coaches have left their posts with their national teams following their elimination from the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Most of the coaches decided to resign voluntarily shortly after the end of their World Cup campaigns. CNN published a list of departing coaches so far as follows: Croatia: Zlatko Dalić (59 years old) left after the team's elimination in the Round of 32 agains…
The 59-year-old strategist closes the most stable cycle in the history of the federation with a record of 111 directed parties.
An era is over in Croatian football. National team captain Zlatko Dalic is expressing his gratitude. "Definitely my hardest decision," he says.
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