Zlatko Dalic has stepped down as Croatia's head coach after nearly nine years in charge, following the team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup by Portugal. The 59-year-old was the country's most successful manager, having led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and third place in 2022, making his departure a significant moment as the national side prepares to enter a new era.

Dalic took charge in 2017 and, alongside the tournament runs, guided Croatia to runners-up in the 2023 Nations League, though the side exited Euro 2020 in the last 16 and failed to reach the knockout stage at Euro 2024. At this summer's World Cup, Croatia lost their opener 4-2 to England before beating Panama and Ghana, only for Goncalo Ramos's 94th-minute winner to end their hopes in the first knockout game. The Croatia Football Federation thanked Dalic for the "victories, the achievements… the medals," while 40-year-old captain Luka Modric is also thought to have played his final major tournament.