Zlatko Dalic has stepped down after nine years as Croatia's head coach, the country's football federation announced, following a World Cup defeat against Portugal that ended their campaign in the first knockout round.
The 59-year-old, who took charge in 2017, led Croatia to the final of the 2018 World Cup and third place four years later. They were runners-up in the 2023 Nations League but exited the delayed 2020 European Championship in the last 16 and failed to reach the knockout stage of Euro 2024.
“Zlatko Dalic leaves role as Croatia head coach after nine years following World Cup exit.”
This summer's World Cup began with a 4-2 defeat by England, before wins over Panama and Ghana. Goncalo Ramos' 94th-minute winner against Portugal in the first knockout game ended their bid to reach the latter stages of a third successive World Cup.
"Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia," said a statement by the Croatia Football Federation. "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."
Captain Luka Modric, 40, has most likely played his final major tournament, and a new era for Croatia is set to begin.