Overview
- The Croatian Football Federation confirmed Wednesday that Zlatko Dalić, 59, will not renew his contract and posted an official farewell thanking him for his service.
- The announcement came days after Croatia's 2-1 loss to Portugal in the 2026 World Cup last 16, which preceded the federation's confirmation of his exit.
- Dalić managed 111 official matches and led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, third place in 2022, and the 2023 UEFA Nations League final, making his tenure the country's most successful.
- One outlet reported the departure may have been agreed before the World Cup, a detail that remains unconfirmed by the federation.
- HNS must now find a successor able to manage an aging core of players led by Luka Modrić and sustain Croatia's recent standing at major tournaments.