After the 2018 World Cup era: Zlatko Dalic leaves Croatia

Zlatko Dalic stepped down as Croatia head coach on July 8, 2026, ending a nearly nine-year tenure after the national team's 2-1 World Cup defeat to Portugal. His departure closes the most successful stretch in Croatian football history and starts a search for the coach who will lead the team into its next international cycle.

The Full Story

Dalic took charge in October 2017 and quickly built a team that produced Croatia's greatest run on the world stage. At the 2018 World Cup, Croatia reached the final before losing to France, giving the country its first runner-up finish at the tournament.

That achievement did not stand alone. Dalic later guided Croatia to third place at the 2022 World Cup and to the 2023 UEFA Nations League final, where Spain won on penalties. Across 110 matches, one source records his team winning 57, drawing 25 and losing 28.

The final chapter came at the 2026 World Cup. Croatia's campaign ended with a 2-1 defeat to Portugal, a match that included a disputed late offside decision. Dalic said afterward that VAR decisions could “take the joy out of football.” Days later, he told the Croatian Football Federation that he was leaving.

In his resignation statement, Dalic said, “As much as I still feel the ambition and desire to achieve new successes with Croatia, I feel that this is the right moment to bring this incredible era to a close.” He added that he was leaving proud of his contribution to the greatest achievements in Croatian football history.

Who's Involved

Dalic, 59, is the central figure in the change. Before taking Croatia's national team job, his coaching career included spells with Al-Faisaly and Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia and Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

Captain Luka Modric, 40, is also part of the wider transition facing Croatia. One source described the 2026 World Cup as most likely his final major tournament, adding to the sense that the team is moving beyond the generation associated with its 2018 and 2022 medal runs.

No successor has been announced. Slaven Bilic, who coached Croatia from 2006 to 2012, has been identified by local media and fan polls as a leading candidate. Other names mentioned include Ivica Olic, Vedran Corluka, Sergej Jakirovic, Edin Terzic, Igor Tudor and Ivan Juric.

By the Numbers

Dalic's record shows why his departure is bigger than a routine coaching change:

• Nearly nine years as Croatia head coach, beginning in 2017.
• 2018 World Cup runner-up, Croatia's best finish at the tournament.
• Third place in 2022, giving Croatia medals at consecutive World Cups.
• 110 matches in charge, with 57 wins, 25 draws and 28 defeats.
• 2023 Nations League runner-up after a penalty shootout loss to Spain.

What This Means

Dalic's exit removes the coach who connected Croatia's two greatest World Cup campaigns. The 2018 team established Croatia as a finalist, while the 2022 squad proved that run was not a one-tournament exception.

For football followers in Canada, the change matters because it reshapes one of the most consistent international teams of the past decade. Croatia's next coach inherits a side coming off another World Cup appearance but also faces questions about how much of the celebrated 2018 generation will remain.

The federation's choice will indicate whether Croatia wants continuity from within Dalic's staff or a broader tactical reset. Candidates such as Olic and Corluka offer familiarity with the national-team environment, while Bilic would represent the return of a former head coach.

What to Expect

Croatia's next scheduled national-team gathering is in September 2026 for the UEFA Nations League. A successor has not been officially named, so the coaching appointment is the next confirmed issue facing the federation before that window.

The Croatia Football Federation has publicly thanked Dalic for the medals, qualifications and unity of his tenure. The next coach will take over after a period defined by the 2018 World Cup final, the 2022 third-place finish and another World Cup campaign in 2026.

FAQ

Why did Zlatko Dalic leave Croatia?

Dalic resigned after Croatia's 2-1 defeat to Portugal ended its 2026 World Cup campaign. He said he still had ambition but believed it was the right moment to close his nearly nine-year era as head coach.

Did Zlatko Dalic coach Croatia at the 2018 World Cup?

Yes. Dalic led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, where the team finished runner-up to France.

What did Croatia achieve under Zlatko Dalic?

Croatia finished second at the 2018 World Cup, third at the 2022 World Cup and runner-up in the 2023 UEFA Nations League. One source records Dalic's overall coaching record at 57 wins, 25 draws and 28 defeats in 110 matches.

Who could replace Zlatko Dalic as Croatia coach?

No replacement has been announced. Slaven Bilic has been identified as a leading candidate, while Ivica Olic, Vedran Corluka, Sergej Jakirovic, Edin Terzic, Igor Tudor and Ivan Juric have also been mentioned.

When will Croatia play next?

Croatia's next scheduled gathering is in September 2026 for the UEFA Nations League. The federation has not yet announced who will coach the team at that stage.