Zlatko Dalic has stepped down as Croatia's head coach following nine years in the role, in the aftermath of their World Cup elimination.

Croatia exited in the round of 32 following a 2-1 defeat to Portugal, who were then beaten 1-0 by Spain at the next stage. 

Their loss came in controversial circumstances, with Josko Gvardiol having a potential equaliser disallowed in the 13th minute of second-half stoppage time, due to an offside in the build-up against Mario Pasalic.

It was Croatia's worst World Cup campaign under Dalic, who oversaw their historic run to the 2018 final – a 4-2 defeat to France – and a third-placed finish in Qatar in 2022.

Dalic also oversaw two European Championship campaigns after taking charge in 2017, though those tournaments were less successful as they went out in the round of 16 at Euro 2020 and suffered a group-stage exit in 2024.

He also led them to the Nations League final in 2022-23, though they were beaten by Spain in a penalty shoot-out.

Dalic was in charge for 111 games, winning 62 of those (55.9%, D20 L29). Both of those figures are the most by any Croatia manager since they became an independent nation in 1990.

A humble arrival. An unforgettable journey. A proud farewell.

Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalić has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with #Croatia. 

Head coach, thank you for everything – the victories, the achievements, the qualifying… pic.twitter.com/LHLzoe0JVj

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) July 8, 2026

In a statement confirming his exit on Wednesday, Dalic said: "The role of a coach demands many tough decisions, but this one has certainly been the hardest for me. 

"I've always said there's no greater honour than leading your national team, and that I couldn't have a more important, responsible, or beautiful job than this. 

"When I took over the national team, I believed in the players' quality and in myself, but I didn't dare dream that we'd achieve everything we have over these nearly nine years. 

"I can't describe how proud I am of every victory, of qualifying for major tournaments, of the three medals, of those great nights in Croatian football, like when we beat England or Brazil at World Cups, but most of all, of the unity we've achieved within the team and with the Croatian people."

Croatia will look to appoint a new head coach ahead of their Nations League campaign beginning in September, as they face Spain twice in addition to taking on Czechia and England during an extended international break.