Zlatko Dalic resigns as Croatia coach after FIFA WC exit to Portugal
Synopsis
Zlatko Dalic's near nine-year reign as Croatia coach ends not with a trophy, but with a gut-punch stoppage-time goal from Gonçalo Ramos and a disallowed equaliser decided by semi-automated offside technology. The man who took Croatia to a World Cup final and two podium finishes departs as the most successful coach in the nation's football history — and leaves a squad in transition.
Key Takeaways
Zlatko Dalic resigned as Croatia head coach on 8 July after nearly nine years in charge.
Croatia exited the FIFA World Cup in the round of 32 , losing 2-1 to Portugal in stoppage time.
A potential equaliser by Joško Gvardiol was ruled out via semi-automated offside technology, with Igor Matanović adjudged offside in the build-up.
Dalic guided Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final in Russia and a third-place finish at Qatar 2022 , winning three international medals .
The Croatian Football Federation has begun the process of identifying a successor.
Zlatko Dalic stepped down as head coach of the Croatian national football team on Wednesday, 8 July, ending a tenure of nearly nine years that included a FIFA World Cup final and two podium finishes. His departure follows Croatia's round-of-32 exit from the FIFA World Cup, a 2-1 stoppage-time defeat to Portugal.
The match that ended an era
Dalic's final game in charge ended in agonising fashion. Gonçalo Ramos struck deep into stoppage time to send Portugal through, moments after Croatia believed they had levelled through Joško Gvardiol. That goal was ruled out after semi-automated technology determined that Igor Matanović had touched the ball from an offside position during the build-up, extinguishing any hope of extra time.
Dalic's statement: 'I'm leaving with a full heart'
In a statement released by the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), the 59-year-old coach acknowledged the difficulty of the decision while insisting the timing was right. 'No matter how much I still feel the ambition and desire to write new successes with Croatia, I feel this is the right moment to conclude this incredible era. I'm leaving with a full heart and proud to have contributed to the greatest successes in Croatian football history,' Dalic said.
He also thanked federation president Marijan Kustić for continued support, noting that backing received in recent days had prompted him to reconsider before ultimately confirming his exit. 'The role of a selector demands many tough decisions, but this one has certainly been the hardest for me,' he added.
A record-defining tenure
Dalic took charge of Croatia in October 2017 and swiftly transformed the side into a global force. He guided the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia — the nation's highest-ever finish — before delivering a third-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In all, Croatia claimed three international medals under his watch, including a memorable run that included victories over England and Brazil at successive World Cups.
Dalic reserved particular praise for captain Luka Modrić and the veterans of the 2018 campaign, as well as the younger generation now assuming greater responsibility in the squad. 'Croatia has a bright future in all of them,' he said, 'and as long as the national team remains a sacred duty for them as it has been for generations before — Croatia will remain strong, competitive, and a match for anyone.'
Federation's farewell tribute
The Croatian Football Federation paid tribute to Dalic in an official farewell statement, describing his departure as 'a proud farewell' after 'an unforgettable journey'. 'The results speak of your coaching virtues. The respect you've earned from your players, staff, and opponents speaks volumes about the person you are,' the federation said.
The search for Dalic's successor is now expected to begin, with Croatian football entering a transitional period as it looks to build on the foundations he leaves behind.
Point of View
And does Croatia have the infrastructure to develop the next one without Dalic's singular ability to forge unity from a squad of disparate club loyalties? The semi-automated offside call that ruled out Gvardiol's goal will fuel debate, but the deeper issue is whether Croatian football can sustain its tournament-level competitiveness once Modrić's generation fully steps away.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Zlatko Dalic resign as Croatia's head coach?
Dalic resigned following Croatia's round-of-32 exit from the FIFA World Cup, a 2-1 stoppage-time defeat to Portugal on 8 July. In his statement, he said the time was right to conclude 'this incredible era' despite still feeling the ambition to continue.
How long was Zlatko Dalic in charge of Croatia?
Dalic took charge of the Croatian national team in October 2017, making his tenure nearly nine years. It is the longest and most decorated coaching spell in Croatia's football history.
What were Dalic's biggest achievements with Croatia?
Dalic guided Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final in Russia — the nation's best-ever finish — and to a third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In total, Croatia won three international medals under his leadership, with notable wins over England and Brazil at successive World Cups.
Why was Croatia's equaliser against Portugal disallowed?
Joško Gvardiol's goal was ruled out after semi-automated offside technology determined that Igor Matanović had made contact with the ball from an offside position during the build-up. The decision ended Croatia's hopes of forcing extra time.
Who will replace Zlatko Dalic as Croatia's head coach?
No successor has been named as of 8 July. The Croatian Football Federation is expected to begin its search following Dalic's formal departure, with Croatian football entering a transitional phase.
