Dalic ends nine-year Croatia reign
Zlatko Dalic has stepped down as Croatia's head coach after nine years in the role, in the aftermath of its 2026 FIFA World Cup elimination.
Croatia exited in the Round of 32 after a 2-1 defeat to Portugal, which was then beaten 1-0 by Spain at the next stage.
Its loss came in controversial circumstances, with Josko Gvardiol having a potential equaliser disallowed in the 13th minute of second-half stoppage-time because of an offside in the build-up against Mario Pasalic.
It was Croatia's worst FIFA World Cup campaign under Dalic, who oversaw its historic run to the 2018 final – a 4-2 defeat to France – and a third-placed finish in Qatar in 2022.
Dalic also oversaw two European championship campaigns after taking charge in 2017, but those tournaments were less successful as Croatia went out in the Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2020 and suffered a group-stage exit in 2024.
He also led it to the UEFA Nations League final in 2022-2023, where it was beaten by Spain in a penalty shootout.
Dalic was in charge for 111 games, winning 62.
In a statement confirming his exit, Dalic said: "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.
"When I took over the national team, I believed in the players' quality and in myself, but I didn't dare dream that we'd achieve everything we have over these nearly nine years.
"I can't describe how proud I am of every victory, of qualifying for major tournaments, of the three medals, of those great nights in Croatian football, like when we beat England or Brazil at World Cups, but most of all, of the unity we've achieved within the team and with the Croatian people."
Croatia will look to appoint a new head coach ahead of ist UEFA Nations League campaign beginning in September, as it faces Spain twice in addition to taking on Czechia and England during an extended international break.
