Zlatko Dalic steps down as Croatia coach after nine years
According to Sports.
Context
Zlatko Dalic, who took over the Croatian national team in 2017, was instrumental in the growth of football in Croatia, leading the team to notable achievements. His departure paves the way for a new era, where Croatia will need to adapt and prepare for future challenges, especially with the next World Cup approaching.
Why this matters
Zlatko Dalic's departure marks the end of a significant era for Croatia, which under his leadership reached the 2018 World Cup final, a historic feat for Croatian football. Additionally, the team finished third in the 2022 World Cup, solidifying its position on the international stage. The transition to a new coach could impact Croatia's preparations for the next World Cup, especially in relation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup standings.
Main conclusions
- Zlatko Dalic steps down as Croatia coach after nine years.
- Zlatko Dalic ends his cycle as Croatia coach, marking a successful era that included a World Cup final in 2018.
- Zlatko Dalic remains central to Croatia's plans.
Zlatko Dalic announced his departure as coach of the Croatia national team after nine years of work, a period that was marked by significant achievements, including the historic 2018 World Cup campaign. The decision came after Croatia's defeat to Portugal in the World Cup, a result that sealed the team's elimination in the group stage of the tournament.
Dalic, who took charge of the Croatian national team in 2017, led the team to the 2018 World Cup final, where they faced France and ended up losing 4-2. This was the first time that Croatia reached a World Cup final, a feat that further elevated the status of Croatian football on the international stage. Four years later, in 2022, the team stood out again by securing third place in the World Cup, reaffirming its strength in global football.
Despite the victories, Dalic's path was not without challenges. Croatia had an early elimination in the 2020 Euro Cup, exiting in the round of 16, and also failed to advance in Euro 2024. However, the coach managed to take the team to the final of the Nations League in 2023, where they won the silver medal.
In a statement, the Croatian Football Federation expressed its gratitude to Dalic: "After almost nine years, coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close this incredibly successful chapter with Croatia. Thank you for everything - for the victories, achievements, rankings, medals, unity, respect and your commitment to fighting for Croatia, on and off the field."
Dalic's departure also marks the end of the era of Luka Modric, captain of the national team and one of the greatest icons of Croatian football, who at the age of 40 may have played his last major competition. The new generation of Croatian players will now have the missionto continue the legacy left by Dalic, starting a new phase in the history of Croatian football.
Dalic's departure is a moment of reflection on the achievements and challenges faced by the team in recent years, and the expectation now is what the next stage will be like for the Croatian team under new command.
What happens next
With Dalic's departure, the Croatian Football Federation will have the task of finding a new coach who can continue the legacy he left behind. The new management will face the challenge of integrating new talent into the team, especially with the possible retirement of experienced players like Luka Modric. The 2026 FIFA World Cup bracket will be an important focus as Croatia looks to get back on its feet and compete at a high level again.