Zlatko Dalic Concludes Nine-Year Reign as Croatia National Team Coach

Zlatko DalicCoach·Zlatko Dalic has concluded his nearly nine-year tenure as the head coach of the Croatian national football team, stepping down on July 8, 2026. His departure follows CroatiaTeam·Croatia's exit from the 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup, marking the end of an era that saw the nation achieve unprecedented success on the international stage.

Dalic, who took charge in October 2017, oversaw a period of remarkable achievement for Croatian football. Under his leadership, the team secured a silver medal at the 2018 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup in Russia, falling to France in the final. This was followed by a bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup in Qatar, solidifying CroatiaTeam·Croatia's status among the world's elite. He also guided the team to the final of the 2023 UEFA Nations League, where they were ultimately defeated by Spain in a penalty shootout.

His final tournament, the 2026 FIFA World CupCompetition·FIFA World Cup, saw CroatiaTeam·Croatia exit in the Round of 32 after a 2-1 defeat to Portugal. This campaign was described as CroatiaTeam·Croatia's worst under Dalic, with a controversial moment arising when Josko GvardiolPlayer·Josko Gvardiol had a potential equaliser disallowed in second-half stoppage time due to an offside in the build-up involving Mario PasalicPlayer·Mario Pasalic. Prior to this, CroatiaTeam·Croatia had finished second in Group L, with results including a 4-2 defeat by EnglandTeam·England, a 1-0 victory over Panama, and a win against GhanaTeam·Ghana. Dalic also led CroatiaTeam·Croatia through two UEFA European Championship campaigns, reaching the Round of 16 at UEFA EuroCompetition·UEFA Euro 2020 and experiencing a group-stage exit in 2024.

Across his 111 matches in charge, Dalic secured 62 victories, a record for any CroatiaTeam·Croatia manager since the country's independence. His contract with the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) automatically expired after the team's performance in the recent World Cup.

In a statement confirming his exit, Dalic reflected on his time at the helm:

"The role of a coach demands many tough decisions, but this one has certainly been the hardest for me."

"I've always said there's no greater honour than leading your national team, and that I couldn't have a more important, responsible, or beautiful job than this."

"I leave with a fulfilled heart, proud of my contribution to the greatest successes of Croatian soccer in history, and I wish my successor, the national team and Croatian soccer many new successes."

— Zlatko DalicCoach·Zlatko Dalic

The Croatian Football Federation acknowledged Dalic's profound impact, describing his tenure as an "unforgettable journey" and a "proud farewell." HNS President Marijan Kustić stated that "Zlatko's name will remain forever written in golden letters in the history of Croatian football."

CroatiaTeam·Croatia now faces the task of appointing a new head coach ahead of their upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, which begins in September. The team is scheduled to face Spain twice, in addition to matches against CzechiaTeam·Czechia and EnglandTeam·England during an extended international break. Local media reports suggest that former national coach Slaven Bilic is a strong candidate to succeed Dalic, with former assistant Ivica Olic also being considered for the role.