Casualty #14: New coach steps down after World Cup bye

After a legendary career

The streak of managers leaving their teams continued after the end of the 2026 World Cup journey, after the Croatian Football Federation announced the end of the Zlatko Dalic era, making him the 14th coach to leave since the tournament began.

The Croatian Federation released an official statement through its account on the “X” platform, which reads: “A humble arrival … an unforgettable journey … and a proud farewell,” before thanking Dalic after nearly nine years in which he led the national team to one of the most successful periods in its history.

“Thank you for everything… the victories, the achievements, the tournament qualifications, the medals, the unity, the respect and your constant determination to fight for Croatia on and off the pitch. The results speak for your coaching ability, but the respect you have earned from your players, coaching staff and even your opponents is the best testament to your character.”

 

Modest arrival. An unforgettable trip. A proud farewell.

After nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter #Croatia. 🥈🥉🥈

Head coach, thank you for everything: victories, achievements, qualification… pic.twitter.com/LHLzoe0JVj

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) July 8, 2026

For his part, Dalic confirmed that the decision to leave was the most difficult of his career, saying: “I have always said that there is no greater honor than leading my country’s national team, and I could not have a nicer or more responsible job than this.

“I can’t describe how proud I am of every win, every qualification, three medals and historic nights of Croatian football, such as the victory over England and Brazil at the World Cup, but I am most proud of the spirit of unity we have created in the national team and with the Croatian people.”

The Croatian coach thanked the members of his technical, medical and administrative staff, the federation management, fans, media, as well as his family, stressing that without their support, these successes would not have been achieved.

He also sent a touching message to his players, in which he said: “I feel very privileged to have led a great group of players and men, from our captain Luka Modric, to the experienced people who have accompanied me since the World Cup in Russia, to the new generation starting to take charge. Thank you for putting Croatia above all else and always showing the national team.”

Dalic revealed that he has received a lot of support in recent days, which has made him reconsider his decision to leave, but he feels the time is right to end this era, adding:

 

💬 Zlatko Dalic |: #HwalaDala

"The electoral role requires many difficult decisions, but this one was certainly the most difficult for me. I have always said that there is no greater honor than leading one’s team and that I cannot have a more important, responsible and beautiful job than this. When I downloaded… pic.twitter.com/kL4e6n2vLC

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) July 8, 2026

Dalic is the latest to add to the list of coaches who have left their posts since the World Cup, bringing the total to 13, including Sabri Lamouchi and Herve Renard (Tunisia), Miroslav Kubic (Czech Republic), Steve Clarke (Scotland), Jamal Al-Salami (Jordan), Marcelo Bielsa (United Kingdom), United (United States). Nagelsmann (Germany) and Sebastian Becasese (Ecuador). Vladimir Petkovic (Algeria), Hong Myung-bo (South Korea), Carlos Queiroz (Ghana) and Javier Aguirre (Mexico).

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