Overview
- Zlatko Dalic confirmed his resignation on Wednesday, saying he leaves 'with a full heart' after a long spell in charge and the Croatian Football Federation praised his contribution to the national team.
- Croatia's latest World Cup campaign ended without a last-16 place after a 2-1 loss to Portugal, a tournament setback that preceded Dalic's decision to step down.
- Dalic took charge in October 2017 and guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, the Euro 2020 last 16 and the 2022 World Cup semi-finals, establishing the nation's best post-independence run.
- Before leading the national team he had successful club spells in the Middle East with Al-Faisaly, Al-Hilal and Al Ain, where he won coach of the year twice and reached the 2016 Asian Champions League final.
- The Croatian federation will now start a formal managerial search and local media are naming former international Slaven Bilic among the leading candidates, a choice that could shift tactics and squad selection ahead of future qualifiers.