Overview
- Dalić announced his resignation on Wednesday after nearly nine years in charge, a decision confirmed by the Croatian Football Federation in an official social media statement thanking him for his record service.
- He leaves as Croatia’s most successful manager, having coached 111 matches with 62 wins and guiding the team to the 2018 World Cup final, third place in 2022, and a 2022–23 Nations League final.
- Croatia’s 2-1 Round of 32 loss to Portugal at the 2026 World Cup and late, disputed refereeing decisions — a VAR-awarded penalty and a stoppage-time goal ruled out for offside — shaped the context for his exit.
- Local media have already highlighted candidates to replace him, notably former international Slaven Bilić, and the federation has not named a successor as the team prepares for Nations League fixtures starting in September.
- The change accelerates a squad transition because veteran leaders including Luka Modrić are likely close to the end of their international careers, meaning the next coach will have to renew the roster while keeping Croatia competitive.