“It’s About Time”: Zlatko Dalić Steps Down After Nine Years as Croatia Head Coach

One of the most remarkable coaching tenures in international football history has officially come to an end. Zlatko Dalić has informed the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) that he will end his role as head coach of the Croatia national team following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Dalić announced his decision during a meeting at HNS headquarters with federation president Marijan Kustić, bringing to an end one of the most successful and longest coaching periods in the history of Croatian football.

The Croatian Football Federation said on X: “Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalić has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia. Head coach, thank you for everything — the victories, the achievements, the qualifying berths, the medals, the unity, the respect, and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia, both on and off the pitch. The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you’ve earned from your players, staff, and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are.”

The Exit That Triggered His Decision

The announcement came less than a week after Croatia lost 2-1 to Portugal in the round of 32 at the World Cup. Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić praised his players’ courage despite their heartbreaking FIFA World Cup exit, insisting they did not deserve to lose after Portugal edged a dramatic Round of 32 encounter 2-1 in Toronto. Portugal looked destined for victory after Gonçalo Ramos headed a stoppage-time winner, only for Croatia to believe they had equalised moments later through Joško Gvardiol. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside, ending Croatia’s tournament in an agonising fashion.

World Cup Exit Summary

The VAR Controversy That Left Croatia Devastated

Although Dalić stopped short of directly blaming the officials for the defeat, he admitted the overturned goal left a bitter feeling. “It was a very bad decision from our point of view,” he said. “But that’s not the reason we lost.”

More broadly, Dalić questioned whether football risks losing its emotional essence through increasing reliance on technology. “You were able to see to what extent emotions have been literally killed,” he said. “I’m not saying VAR can’t sometimes help, but it kills the emotions. It kills everything within you. It takes away what you’re experiencing, and it’s not easy to deal with.”

His Parting Words: “A Fulfilled Heart”

“I leave with a fulfilled heart, proud of my contribution to the greatest successes of Croatian soccer in history, and I wish my successor, the national team and Croatian soccer many new successes,” Dalić said in a statement posted by the national soccer federation on Instagram.

“I have always said that there is no greater honor than leading my national team, and that I cannot have a more important, more responsible, and more beautiful job than this,” Dalić said. “The support in recent days has prompted me to reconsider my decision to leave, but… it’s about time.”

“I was deeply privileged to have the opportunity to lead such great footballers and quality people,” Dalić said. “They always put Croatia first and showed through their behaviour, commitment and approach what the Croatian national team represents.”

Nine Years That Transformed Croatian Football

Appointed in 2017, Dalić led Croatia through the most successful era in the national team’s history, guiding the Vatreni to three major international medals. Under his leadership, Croatia reached the FIFA World Cup final in 2018 in Russia, winning the silver medal, before securing bronze at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also guided Croatia to a silver medal in the 2023 UEFA Nations League.

During his tenure, Croatia qualified for UEFA European Championships in 2020 and 2024, as well as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Zlatko Dalić: Full Honours With Croatia

His Full Coaching Timeline

The Golden Generation He Commanded

The Croatian manager also praised the players who represented the country during his tenure, from captain Luka Modrić and the experienced generation that reached the 2018 World Cup final to younger players who have taken on increasingly important roles.

Under Dalić, Croatia’s so-called golden generation, which included star player Luka Modrić, was runner-up at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and third at the 2022 edition in Qatar.

The 2018 World Cup final remains the pinnacle of Dalić’s tenure. Croatia’s run through Russia stunned the footballing world — defeating Argentina and England en route to the final, before falling to France. It was Croatia’s greatest-ever World Cup achievement and cemented Dalić as a national hero.

Croatia’s World Cup Campaigns Under Dalić

Croatia’s Optimism About the Future

Dalić described the defeat as the conclusion of one of the greatest periods in Croatian football history. “Croatia has achieved great things across three World Cups,” he reflected. “This is the end of a beautiful era that lasted around ten years. Now comes a new beginning.”

“I’m not worried about Croatia’s future,” he concluded. “There are many young talents coming through, and some of them showed their quality today. I don’t know if we’ll be able to repeat everything this generation achieved because those results were extraordinary, but Croatia has a very good future.”

The Fans He Always Cherished

Despite the heartbreak, Dalić thanked the Croatian supporters who turned Toronto into a sea of red and white. “Unfortunately, it didn’t end the way we wanted, and that’s sad,” he said. “But the atmosphere was fantastic. We had incredible support from our fans. We showed our character, our love for our country and our courage. I just want to thank everyone who stood behind us.”

What Happens Next at the HNS

The federation did not immediately announce a new coach. The search for Dalić’s successor will now begin in earnest, with Croatian football entering a transitional phase as the golden generation era draws to a close and a new group of younger players begins to emerge.

He thanked his coaching staff, medical team, support personnel, federation leadership, fans, media and his family for their contribution throughout his time as national coach.

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