Zlatko Dalić resigns as Croatia coach after World Cup exit

Zlatko Dalić has stepped down as head coach of the Croatian national football team, ending a nearly nine-year tenure that included historic World Cup success. The Croatian Football Federation announced his departure on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, less than a week after Croatia's elimination from the FIFA World Cup in a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32.

In a statement, Dalić said he leaves with a fulfilled heart, proud of his contribution to what he called the greatest successes of Croatian soccer in history. He described the decision as the hardest one for him, but stated it was the right moment to conclude an incredible era. The federation thanked him for his unwavering commitment, victories, and the unity he fostered.

Dalić's tenure, which began in 2017, was marked by Croatia's remarkable performances on the world stage. He led the so-called golden generation, featuring star player Luka Modrić, to the 2018 World Cup final, where they finished as runners-up to France. The team then secured a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Under his guidance, Croatia also reached the final of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League, losing to Spain in a penalty shootout. He...