Official: Zlatko Dalic Resigns as Croatia Coach
Zlatko Dalic has resigned as head coach of Croatia following their round-of-16 exit from the 2026 World Cup.
The 59-year-old’s decision comes in the wake of a 2-1 defeat to Portugal, bringing an end to a highly successful nine-year tenure that began in 2017.
Dalic famously guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final in Russia, where they finished as runners-up to France, and secured a bronze medal four years later at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. He also led the nation to a silver medal in the 2023 Nations League, alongside qualifying for Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) confirmed the news on Wednesday, stating that Dalic informed president Marjan Kustić of his decision at the governing body’s headquarters.
In a statement, the HNS paid tribute to Dalic, labeling him the country’s most successful and longest-serving manager in history.
