Croatia appoints Slaven Bilic as national team head coach

The Croatian Football Federation announced on Monday, July 13, 2026, that Slaven Bilic will return as head coach of the national team, replacing Zlatko Dalic, who resigned last week following Croatia's elimination from the World Cup. The 57-year-old Bilic, who previously coached Croatia from 2006 to 2012, was unanimously appointed to the role.

Dalic stepped down after a nine-year tenure that marked the most successful period in the nation's football history. He guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, where they lost to France, secured third place at the 2022 tournament, and reached the last 16 at Euro 2020. His tenure ended after Croatia was knocked out of the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32, losing 2-1 to Portugal. The federation hailed Dalic as the country's greatest coach upon his departure.

Bilic returns to the position after a coaching hiatus since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh in 2024. In a statement released by the federation, Bilic expressed his readiness for the challenge. "I have complete confidence in our players and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ambition and determination to ensure Croatia remains among football's elite," he said. "I am...