Zlatko Dalic Resigns as Croatia Head Coach After 2026 World Cup Exit
Zlatko Dalic stepped down as Croatia’s head coach on July 8, 2026, following a round-of-16 loss to Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. His nearly nine-year tenure included historic achievements: a 2018 World Cup runner-up finish, third place in 2022, and a 2023 Nations League runner-up finish. Slaven Bilic is the leading candidate to succeed him, marking the end of a golden era for Croatian football.
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Ex-Bundesliga Star Slaven Bilic Returns as Croatia National Coach After Dalic Resigns
Slaven Bilic (57), former Bundesliga player for Karlsruher SC, has been appointed head coach of the Croatian national football team, replacing Zlatko Dalic (59) who resigned after Croatia's 1-2 loss to Portugal in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced the decision on Monday. This marks Bilic's second term as Croatia coach, having previously led the team from 2006 to 2012, including a Euro 2008 quarter-final appearance. Dalic, who led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and a 2022 World Cup podium finish, stepped down following the early World Cup exit. Bilic, most recently coaching Saudi club Al-Fateh until August 2024, acknowledged the high expectations but expressed confidence in his ability to lead the team, stating he is now a more mature and experienced coach.
BILD - SportSlaven Bilic Appointed New Head Coach of Croatia National Football Team
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced on Monday the appointment of Slaven Bilic as the new head coach of the Croatian national team, replacing Zlatko Dalic. Dalic resigned after Croatia's 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Bilic, 57, returns to the role he previously held from 2006 to 2012, during which he led the team to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals. Dalic, who coached Croatia since 2017, led the team to a historic World Cup final in 2018, a semi-final in 2022, and a Nations League final in 2023. Bilic, a former Croatian international defender, most recently managed Saudi club Al-Fateh in the 2023/24 season.
RecordSlaven Bilić Appointed Croatia Head Coach, Hopes Modrić Stays
Slaven Bilić has been appointed as the new head coach of the Croatian national football team, replacing Zlatko Dalić. In his introductory press conference, Bilić outlined his priorities, including convincing Luka Modrić to continue playing for the national team. He expressed confidence in the team's potential and set ambitious goals, targeting success at Euro 2028. Bilić criticized the refereeing decision in Croatia's World Cup match against Portugal, calling it 'unbelievable' and stating the team was 'robbed.' He emphasized a merit-based selection policy focused on player quality and a tactical philosophy blending attractive football with defensive discipline. Bilić also reflected on his previous tenure, including the near-miss at Euro 2008, and stressed the importance of building strong relationships with players.
虎扑 - 足球Slaven Bilic reappointed as Croatia manager
Croatia have reappointed former defender Slaven Bilic as manager of their men's national team, replacing Zlatko Dalic who stepped down after nearly nine years following Croatia's World Cup last-32 defeat to Portugal. Bilic, who previously managed Croatia from 2006 to 2012, expressed confidence in the players and a commitment to keeping Croatia among football's elite. He played for Croatia at the 1998 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals. Bilic's first stint yielded 42 wins, 15 draws, and eight defeats in 65 matches. He has also managed clubs including West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Watford, and most recently Saudi Arabia's Al-Fateh in the 2023-2024 season.
BBC SportSlaven Bilic reappointed as Croatia men's national team manager
Croatia have reappointed former defender Slaven Bilic as manager of their men's national team, replacing Zlatko Dalic who stepped down after nearly nine years in charge following Croatia's World Cup last-32 defeat to Portugal. Bilic, who previously managed Croatia from 2006 to 2012, expressed his happiness and readiness for the challenge, stating he brings energy, ambition, and determination to keep Croatia among football's elite. During his first stint, he recorded 42 wins, 15 draws, and eight defeats from 65 matches. Bilic, a former Croatia international with 44 caps who played in the 1998 World Cup semi-finals, has also managed clubs including West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Watford, and most recently Saudi Arabia's Al-Fateh in the 2023-2024 season.
BBC SportSlaven Bilić Returns as Croatia National Team Coach After World Cup Exit
Slaven Bilić (57) has been appointed as the new head coach of the Croatian national football team, replacing Zlatko Dalić (59) who resigned after Croatia's 1-2 defeat to Portugal in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) made the official announcement on Monday. This marks Bilić's second stint as Croatia's coach, having previously led the team from 2006 to 2012, during which he guided them to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals. Bilić, a former Bundesliga player for Karlsruher SC, most recently coached Saudi club Al-Fateh until mid-August 2024. He acknowledged the high expectations following Dalić's successful era, which included a World Cup final appearance in 2018 and a bronze medal in 2022, but expressed confidence in his experience and ambition to lead Croatia as a strong, brave, and successful team.
BILD - SportSlaven Bilic Appointed Croatia Coach for Second Spell After World Cup Exit
Slaven Bilic has been appointed as Croatia's head coach for a second time, replacing Zlatko Dalic who stepped down after Croatia's last-32 World Cup exit to Portugal. Bilic, a former central defender, previously coached Croatia from 2006 to 2012, leading them to qualification for the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. The 57-year-old has since managed clubs including Besiktas, West Ham United, and West Bromwich Albion, and was most recently out of football after leaving Saudi Pro League club Al Fateh in August 2024. Bilic expressed confidence in the players and his readiness for the challenge, stating his goal is to keep Croatia among football's elite. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced the unanimous appointment on July 13, 2026.
Soccer - The AthleticSlaven Bilic Appointed Croatia Coach for Second Spell After World Cup Exit
Slaven Bilic has been appointed as Croatia's head coach for a second time, replacing Zlatko Dalic who stepped down after Croatia's last-32 exit to Portugal in the 2026 World Cup. Bilic, a former central defender, previously coached Croatia from 2006 to 2012, leading them to two European Championship finals. The 57-year-old has since managed clubs including Besiktas, West Ham United, and West Bromwich Albion, and was most recently at Saudi Pro League club Al Fateh until August 2024. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced the unanimous decision on July 13, 2026. Bilic expressed confidence in the players and his readiness to bring energy and ambition to keep Croatia among football's elite, noting he returns as a more mature and experienced coach.
Soccer - The AthleticSlaven Bilic appointed Croatia coach for second spell after World Cup exit
Slaven Bilic has been appointed head coach of the Croatia national football team for a second time, replacing Zlatko Dalic who stepped down after Croatia's last-32 World Cup exit to Portugal. Bilic, 57, previously coached Croatia from 2006 to 2012, leading them to two European Championship finals. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced the unanimous decision on July 13, 2026. Bilic, a former central defender who played 44 games for Croatia and was part of the 1998 World Cup third-place squad, has been out of football since leaving Saudi club Al Fateh in August 2024. He expressed confidence in the players and vowed to bring energy and ambition to keep Croatia among football's elite. His club management career includes stints at Besiktas, West Ham United, and West Bromwich Albion.
Soccer - The AthleticSlaven Bilic Returns as Head Coach of Croatian National Team
The Croatian Football Federation has officially appointed Slaven Bilic as the new head coach of the national team, succeeding Zlatko Dalic who departed after Croatia's round of 32 elimination at the 2026 World Cup against Portugal (1-2). Bilic, 57, returns to the Vatreni bench for a second stint, having previously led the team from 2006 to 2012. His appointment was unanimously approved by the Federation's executive board. Bilic, a former Croatian international with 44 caps and part of the 1998 World Cup bronze medal-winning squad, had been without a club since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Fateh two years ago. He takes over just before the most successful period in Croatian football history, which included a 2018 World Cup final appearance under Dalic.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuCroatia coach Zlatko Dalic steps down after World Cup exit
Zlatko Dalic resigned on July 8, 2026, after nearly nine years as head coach of the Croatia national team, following a 2-1 loss to Portugal in the round of 32 at the World Cup. Dalic, 59, led Croatia to historic achievements, including a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and a third-place result at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In a statement released by the Croatian Football Federation, Dalic expressed pride in his contributions and said it was the right time to conclude his tenure, despite reconsidering due to recent support. The federation thanked him for his victories, medals, and unity, but a successor has not yet been named.
Yardbarker: SoccerEnd of an Era: Croatia Coach Zlatko Dalić Steps Down After Nine Years
Zlatko Dalić has stepped down as head coach of the Croatian national football team, ending a nine-year tenure that included the greatest successes in Croatian football history. The 59-year-old confirmed his departure about a week after Croatia's World Cup exit in the round of 32 against Portugal (1-2). Dalić took over in October 2017 and led the team to the 2018 World Cup final, where they lost to France, and to a bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup. The Croatian association bid him farewell with emotional words on social media, thanking him for his victories, medals, and unity. His departure marks the end of the golden generation featuring Luka Modrić (40), Ivan Perišić (37), and Mateo Kovačić (32). Talents like Luka Vušković (19) are expected to lead a transition, but a successor has not yet been named.
BILD - SportCroatia Coach Zlatko Dalić Steps Down, Reflects on Legacy and Bright Future
Zlatko Dalić, the legendary coach of the Croatian national football team, has officially stepped down after nearly nine years in charge. In an interview, Dalić described the decision as the hardest of his career, expressing immense pride in leading Croatia to historic achievements, including three World Cup medals and memorable victories over England and Brazil. He highlighted the unity built within the team and with the Croatian people as his greatest accomplishment. Dalić praised captain Luka Modrić and both veteran and young players, asserting that Croatia's future remains bright as long as the national team remains sacred to its players. Despite receiving support to reconsider, he felt the time was right to end this era, leaving with gratitude and confidence in his successor.
虎扑 - 足球Croatia Announces End of Zlatko Dalic Era, Slaven Bilic as Successor
Croatia's national football team is undergoing a leadership change as Zlatko Dalić will not extend his contract as head coach, which expired after the 2022 World Cup. The Croatian Football Federation has a succession plan ready, with former national team coach Slaven Bilić lined up to take over. Dalić led Croatia to a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, marking a successful era for the Vatreni. Bilić, who previously coached Croatia from 2006 to 2012, is expected to bring experience and continuity to the team. The transition marks the end of a significant chapter in Croatian football history.
kicker Fußball NewsZlatko Dalic Steps Down as Croatia Head Coach After World Cup Exit
Zlatko Dalic has resigned as head coach of the Croatian national football team, ending a nearly nine-year tenure that began in October 2017. His decision follows Croatia's elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup by Portugal (2-1), a match marked by refereeing controversy. Dalic is credited with leading Croatia to its greatest achievements, including a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup (losing to France 4-2), a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup, and a runner-up finish in the 2023 Nations League. He initially took over from Ante Čačić for the final 2018 World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, which Croatia won to secure a playoff spot. The Croatian Football Federation will now seek a new head coach to write the next chapter in the team's history.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuCroatia Announces Departure of Iconic Coach Zlatko Dalić
Croatia's national football federation announced on July 8, 2026, that head coach Zlatko Dalić has stepped down after nearly nine years in charge. Dalić's decision follows Croatia's elimination in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup by Portugal. Appointed in 2017, Dalić led Croatia to historic achievements, including a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup, a third-place finish in the 2022 World Cup, and a runner-up finish in the 2023 Nations League. The federation praised his leadership, cohesion, and the respect he earned from players and opponents. His departure marks the end of a highly successful era for Croatian football, coinciding with the exit of France's Didier Deschamps.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertDalic Expected to Resign as Croatia Head Coach; Bilic Leading Candidate to Replace Him
According to Croatian media outlet 24sata, Zlatko Dalic is expected to resign as head coach of the Croatian national football team, with an official announcement anticipated before next weekend. Current information indicates that Slaven Bilic has emerged as the primary candidate to succeed Dalic, while Ivica Olic is not currently considered a top contender. The report, sourced from X and published by Hupu Football on July 4th, signals a potential end of an era for Croatian football, as Dalic led the team to a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup and third place in 2022. The news has sparked discussion among fans about Croatia's future prospects, including their ability to qualify for the next World Cup.
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