Zlatko Dalić leaves his position as coach of the Croatian national team

According to Championat.

Context

Zlatko Dalić, who took charge of the Croatian national team in 2017, left an impressive legacy, leading the team to great achievements in World Cups and the Nations League. His tactical approach and ability to unite the group were fundamental to the team's success, especially in a period of transition approaching the 2026 World Cup.

Why this matters

Zlatko Dalić's departure marks a turning point for the Croatian national team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. Under his leadership, the team achieved memorable results, including a silver medal in 2018 and bronze in 2022, solidifying Croatia's position on the international football stage. The transition to a new coach will be crucial to maintaining the team's legacy and competitiveness in future competitions.

Main conclusions

• Zlatko Dalić leaves his position as coach of the Croatian national team.
• Zlatko Dalić announced his departure from command of the Croatian national team, after a period of almost nine years that included World Cup medals and strong leadership.
• Златко Далич покинул пост главного тренера сборной Хорватии.

Croatian football is going through a moment of transition after the official announcement of Zlatko Dalić's departure from his position as coach of the National Team. The statement was made by the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), which highlighted the importance of Dalić's leadership for almost nine years, a period in which the team achieved impressive results. Dalić, 59, took charge of the team in October 2017 and quickly became an iconic figure in Croatian football. Under his guidance, the team reached the final of the 2018 World Cup, where they won the silver medal, and won the bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, Dalić led the team to an impressive second place in the Nations League in 2023. HNS highlighted in its statement that Dalić left a significant legacy, thanking the coach for his achievements and the way he brought the team together, promoting a spirit of respect and loyalty between players and coaching staff. The federation's parting words were moving: "A modest arrival, an unforgettable journey, a proud farewell. Thank you for everything — for the victories, achievements, qualifications, medals, unity, respect and unwavering commitment to the fight for Croatia, both on and off the field. The results speak for your qualities as a coach. The respect you have earned from players, staff and opponents says a lot about who you are as a person." Dalić's departure comes at a time when Croatia is preparing for the next challenges, including the 2026 World Cup, where the team reached the round of 32 stage, being eliminated by the Portugal team. Expectations now fall on who will be the next to take command of the Croatian national team and continue the work that Dalić started, keeping Croatia competitive in a scenario ofincreasingly demanding international football. With Dalić's departure, Croatian football enters a new era, marked by the search for a new coach who can continue the legacy left by the coach who did so much for the National Team. Fans are now eagerly awaiting news about the team's future.

What happens next

With Dalić's departure, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) will be tasked with finding a new coach who can continue the team's development work. The new coach will face the challenge of preparing the Croatian national team for the 2026 World Cup, where the expectation is that the team will maintain its high level of performance. The choice of successor will be key to ensuring that Croatia remains a competitive force in world football.