Dalic's Croatia Era Ends
Zlatko Dalic Steps Down as Croatia Coach After Leading Team for Nine Years
Key Points
Dalic’s Croatia era comprised 111 matches with 62 wins, 20 draws and 29 losses (a 55.9% win rate), the most matches and wins by any Croatia manager since 1990.
In Croatia’s 2026 World Cup exit to Portugal, Josko Gvardiol appeared to have a stoppage-time equaliser ruled out after an offside in the build-up against Mario Pasalic.
Dalic steered Croatia to the Nations League final in 2022-23, where they were beaten by Spain on penalties, and oversaw two European Championship campaigns (Euro 2020 last-16 exit and Euro 2024 group-stage exit).
Dalic was appointed head coach in October 2017, beginning nearly nine years in charge before deciding to step down.
Zlatko Dalic has resigned as Croatia's head coach after nearly nine years in charge, stepping down days after the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. ESPN reported that the 59-year-old, appointed in October 2017, called the decision "the hardest of my career" but said it was the right moment to close what he described as an "unforgettable journey."
Dalic's exit follows Croatia's Round of 32 defeat to Portugal, a loss made more painful by a controversial late offside ruling. The Croatian Football Federation issued a tribute thanking him for "an incredible journey" and his commitment to the national program, both on and off the pitch.
From 2018 Final to 2026 Exit: A Historic Run
When Dalic took charge in October 2017, few expected the heights Croatia would reach. He guided the team to the 2018 World Cup final in Russia — the best result in Croatia's history — where they lost to France. Four years later in Qatar, Croatia finished third at the 2022 World Cup, making back-to-back podium finishes. No Croatia manager since 1990 has matched that run.
His full record stands at 111 matches: 62 wins, 20 draws, and 29 losses — a win rate of 55.9%. Riverbender noted that those totals are the most matches and wins by any Croatia manager in the modern era. He also led Croatia to the 2022-23 Nations League final, where they lost to Spain on penalties.
Offside Controversy Clouds Portugal Defeat
Croatia's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in a 2-1 loss to Portugal in the Round of 32. The defeat was defined by a painful moment in stoppage time. Defender Josko Gvardiol appeared to score an equalizer, but the goal was ruled out. Officials found that Mario Pasalic was offside in the build-up. The call ended Croatia's chances.
TSN reported that the exit marked Croatia's worst World Cup performance under Dalic. Going out in the Round of 32 — the first knockout stage — was a sharp drop from the semifinals and third-place finishes of the two previous tournaments. The controversy around the offside decision added to the frustration in Croatia.
Dalic Steps Down With Pride and Gratitude
Dalic framed his resignation as a decision he made on his own terms. He expressed pride in what the squad achieved and gratitude for the unity built between the team and Croatian fans. The Croatian Football Federation echoed that sentiment, saying Dalic had given everything for the national program over his nearly nine-year reign, according to News.com.au.
Slaven Bilic Among Early Favorites to Succeed Dalic
With Dalic gone, attention quickly shifted to who comes next. Former Croatia head coach Slaven Bilic has emerged as one of the names being tipped for the role. Bilic previously managed the national team from 2006 to 2012, reaching the Euro 2008 quarterfinals. His familiarity with the program makes him a natural candidate, though no appointment has been confirmed.
Croatia still has a strong core of players, including Gvardiol and other established internationals. The federation will look to build on Dalic's legacy while finding a coach who can carry the program into a new cycle ahead of Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.
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