Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has stepped down following the country's exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to nine years in charge of the Vatreni.
The 59-year-old leaves after overseeing one of the most successful periods in Croatian football history, having guided the nation to the 2018 World Cup final, third place at the 2022 World Cup and runners-up in the 2023 UEFA Nations League.
His departure comes just days after Croatia's World Cup campaign ended with a 1-0 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 32, where Gonçalo Ramos scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to eliminate the 2018 finalists.
Earlier in the tournament, Dalić's side recovered from a 4-2 opening defeat to England by beating Panama before edging Ghana 2-1 in a decisive Group L encounter.
Goals from Petar SuÄić and Nikola VlaÅ¡ić secured victory for Croatia in Philadelphia, despite Derrick Luckassen's equaliser for the Black Stars. The result saw Croatia finish second in the group behind England, while Ghana progressed to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
In a statement announcing his departure, the Croatian Football Federation paid tribute to Dalić's achievements.
"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 berths, the medals, the unity, the respect and your unwavering commitment to fight for Croatia, both on and off the pitch."
Dalić took charge of Croatia in 2017 and transformed the national team into one of the world's most consistent tournament performers.
His departure also signals the likely end of an era for Croatia, with captain Luka Modrić, now 40, expected to have played his final major international tournament.
Croatia will now begin the search for a new head coach as the country prepares for the next World Cup cycle.
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