Zlatko Dalić to step down as Croatia's national football coach after 2026 World Cup

Zlatko Dalić has announced his decision to step down as the head coach of the Croatian national football team following the 2026 World Cup. The announcement came after a meeting at the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) headquarters, where he informed HNS president Marijan Kustić of his departure.

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The coaching role requires many difficult decisions, but this was certainly the hardest for me. I always said there is no greater honor than leading my national team, and I cannot have a more important, responsible, and beautiful job than this.

Dalić's nearly nine-year tenure is marked by unprecedented success for Croatian football. He guided the team to a silver medal at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and a bronze medal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, Croatia secured a silver medal in the 2023 UEFA Nations League and qualified for EURO 2020 and EURO 2024 under his leadership.

"The coaching role requires many difficult decisions, but this was certainly the hardest for me," Dalić stated. "I always said there is no greater honor than leading my national team, and I cannot have a more important, responsible, and beautiful job than this." He reflected on his initial belief in the team's quality and his own abilities, admitting he never dared to dream of achieving so much in his time.

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I cannot describe how proud I am of every victory, of qualifying for major competitions, of three medals, of great nights of Croatian football like when we beat England or Brazil in the World Cups, but most of all of the unity we achieved within the team and with the Croatian people, which we particularly witnessed during those unforgettable welcomes after winning World Cup medals.

He expressed profound pride in every victory, qualification for major tournaments, and the three medals won. Dalić highlighted the "great nights of Croatian football," such as victories against England and Brazil in World Cups, but emphasized most the "unity" achieved within the team and with the Croatian people, particularly evident during the "unforgettable welcomes" after their World Cup medal wins.

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It is impossible to achieve such successes without quality, effort, and faith in what you do. Therefore, from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who invested their knowledge and energy into everything we have achieved together – my coaches and staff, doctors, physiotherapists, economists, and all the HNS logistics that always supported us excellently.

Dalić extended heartfelt thanks to his coaching staff, medical team, physiotherapists, economists, and all HNS logistics personnel. He also thanked the federation's leadership for their support, the fans for their incredible backing, and the media for fostering a positive atmosphere and offering constructive criticism. Crucially, he thanked his family, acknowledging their support was essential to his achievements. He also paid tribute to the players, from captain Luka Modrić to the younger generation, for prioritizing Croatia and embodying the national team's culture.

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And finally, thank you to my family without whose support none of this would have been possible for me.