Zlatko Dalic Steps Down As Croatia Head Coach After World Cup Elimination

Zlatko Dalic has resigned as Croatia head coach after nearly nine years in charge, following the team’s World Cup round-of-32 exit. Croatia lost 2-1 to Portugal in that match, then saw Portugal fall 1-0 to Spain at the next stage, underlining the disappointment around the campaign.

This World Cup is Croatia’s weakest under Dalic, who had previously guided the national team to major highs. Croatia reached the 2018 World Cup final, losing 4-2 to France, then claimed third place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Dalic’s period also included deep runs in the Nations League and European Championships.

Dalic took over Croatia in 2017 and oversaw 111 matches, winning 62, drawing 20 and losing 29. That 55.9% win rate and total victory count are the highest for any Croatia manager since independence in 1990. Croatia also reached the 2022-23 Nations League final, where Spain won on penalties.

The latest World Cup loss to Portugal ended in controversy. Josko Gvardiol thought Croatia had equalised deep into second-half stoppage time, but a potential goal in the 13th added minute was ruled out. Officials judged an offside in the build-up against Mario Pasalic, which added to frustration around the exit.

Dalic confirmed the decision in a statement released on Wednesday, describing the choice as deeply personal. Dalic reflected on almost nine years in charge, referencing both famous wins and the connection built with supporters, while stressing the difficulty of stepping away from national duty at this stage.

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’s federation now prepares to appoint a new head coach before the Nations League starts in September. The schedule includes two meetings with Spain, plus games against Czechia and England during an extended international break. The next coach will inherit a squad shaped by Dalic’s long tenure and major tournament experiences.