Slaven Bilic returns to lead Croatia after Zlatko Dalic steps down following World Cup exit

The 57-year-old was confirmed as Croatia's new head coach on Monday after Dalic ended his nearly nine-year tenure following the country's exit from the 2026 World Cup, where they were beaten 2-1 by Portugal in the round of 32.

Bilic returns to a role he previously held between 2006 and 2012, having also coached Croatia's Under-21 side before taking charge of the senior team. During his first spell, he oversaw 65 matches, winning 42, drawing 15 and losing eight to record a higher win percentage than Dalic.

"I have complete confidence in our players and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ambition and determination to ensure Croatia remains among football's elite," Bilic said.

"I am genuinely happy to begin this challenge and feel fully prepared for it - as a more mature and experienced coach than in 2006, but with the same motivation and desire to see Croatia remain powerful, bold and successful."

Croatian Football Federation (HNS) president Marijan Kustic said Bilic was the unanimous choice to succeed the country's most successful coach.

"It is not easy to succeed Zlatko, but we are convinced that Slaven is the right person for this role," Kustic said, citing Bilic's "extensive coaching and managerial experience".

Dalic leaves after a spell that transformed Croatia into one of international football's leading nations. He guided the team to the 2018 World Cup final, the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, the last 16 at Euro 2020 and, most recently, the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

Bilic's best achievement during his previous tenure came at Euro 2008, when Croatia reached the quarter-finals before suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Turkey.

Speaking at his introductory press conference, Bilic said his immediate objective was to deliver success at the 2028 European Championship.

"I am extremely excited about this challenge, which I feel completely ready for as a more mature and experienced coach than I was in 2006, but with the same motivation and desire for Croatia to be strong, bold and successful," he said.

The Split-born coach also addressed the future of veteran captain Luka Modric, who will turn 41 in September and has yet to decide whether he will continue his international career.

"He is much more to Croatia than just the best player. Modric has been asked whether he is retiring since 2018 ... I would like him to continue playing for the national team," said the former West Ham defender.

Bilic has been out of management since leaving Saudi Pro League side Al Fateh in 2024 after one season in charge. His club coaching career has also included spells with Hajduk Split, West Ham, West Bromwich Albion and Watford.

As a player, Bilic earned 44 caps for Croatia and was a key member of the side that finished third at the 1998 World Cup in France, where they were beaten by eventual champions France in the semi-finals. He now returns to the national team with the immediate task of securing qualification for Euro 2028 before turning his attention to the 2030 World Cup.

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