Dalic steps down as Croatia coach after nine years

Zlatko Dalic has stepped down as Croatia's head coach after nine years, following the team's defeat against Portugal in the World Cup. The 59-year-old took charge in 2017 and guided Croatia to the final of the 2018 World Cup, where they lost to France, and to third place four years later in Qatar.

Dalic's tenure and achievements

Under Dalic, Croatia also reached the knockout stages of the delayed 2020 European Championship, exiting in the last 16, and failed to progress beyond the group stage at Euro 2024. However, they were runners-up in the 2023 Nations League, losing to Spain on penalties.

The Croatia Football Federation released a statement saying: "Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia. Head coach, thank you for everything - the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia, both on and off the pitch."

World Cup 2026 campaign

In this summer's World Cup, Croatia began with a 4-2 defeat by England, but recovered with wins over Panama and Ghana. However, a 94th-minute winner by Goncalo Ramos in the first knockout match ended their bid to reach the latter stages of a third consecutive World Cup.

End of an era

Captain Luka Modric, 40, is also widely expected to have played his final major tournament, signaling the start of a new era for Croatian football. The federation has not yet announced a successor for Dalic.