Zlatko Dalić has stepped down as head coach of the Croatian national team following their exit from the World Cup, the Croatian Football Federation announced. Dalić, 59, concluded his nearly nine-year tenure after Croatia's round-of-32 defeat to Portugal.

During his highly successful period, Dalić guided Croatia's "golden generation," featuring players like Luka Modrić, to runner-up finishes at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and third place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The team also reached the final of the 2023 Nations League.

Dalić stated that while he still felt ambition, he believed it was the right time to conclude his era with the national team. The federation expressed gratitude for his achievements, including victories, qualifying berths, medals, and fostering unity and respect. A successor has not yet been named.