ZAGREB, July 8 (Xinhua) -- Zlatko Dalic stepped down as Croatia coach on Wednesday, ending a nearly nine-year tenure that included two World Cup medals and established him as the most successful manager in the country's history.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) confirmed Dalic's resignation after he informed president Marijan Kustic of his decision. His departure comes after Croatia's 2-1 loss to Portugal in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.
"Modest arrival. Unforgettable journey. Proud farewell," the federation said in a statement.
In a farewell message released by the HNS, Dalic described the decision as the hardest of his coaching career and said leading the national team had been the greatest honor of his professional life.
"I can't describe how proud I am of every victory, of the placements in major competitions, of the three medals, of the great nights of Croatian football like the one when we beat England or Brazil at the World Cup, but most of all of the unity we achieved within the team and with the Croatian people, which we especially witnessed during those unforgettable celebrations after winning world medals," Dalic said.
Dalic took charge in October 2017, replacing Ante Cacic, and guided Croatia to a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup. He followed that by leading the team to third place at the 2022 World Cup and a runner-up finish in the 2023 UEFA Nations League.
His three major tournament medals made him the most successful coach in Croatian football history. The 2026 World Cup was the first major tournament under his leadership in which Croatia failed to finish in the top three.
Croatian media have reported that former Croatia coach Slaven Bilic and current under-21 coach Ivica Olic are among the leading candidates to replace Dalic. ■
