Slaven Bilić Appointed as New Croatia National Team Coach

After nine years of Zlatko Dalic, who led the Croatia national team to its greatest successes in history, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has officially presented the new coach of the national team. Slaven Bilić, who led the team from 2006 to 2012, will take over the team for the second time.

Why the change?

Bilić is one of the greatest names in Croatian football, and in his coaching career, he has also led the young Croatian national team, Hajduk, Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas, West Ham, Al Ittihad, West Bromwich Albion, Beijing Guoan, Watford, and Al Fateh. Before the former defender of the Croatian national team, with whom he won the bronze medal at the 1998 World Cup, the job is demanding and the burden is great, which was brought by the successes achieved under the coaching of Zlatko Dalic.

What's next?

At the proposal of HNS president Marijan Kustić, the HNS Executive Committee unanimously appointed Slaven Bilić as head coach of the #Croatia national team! — HNS (@HNS_CFF) July 13, 2026

Bilić will lead the Vatreni in future matches, and his first task will be to prepare for the match against the Czech Republic in September. Last result: Portugal 2-1 Croatia (2026-07-02). Recent form (last 5): 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW, most recent first); lost the last 2.

What's next for Vatreni?

Bilić will have to prepare the Vatreni for the match against the Czech Republic in September. The Vatreni will have to prepare for tough matches in the future, but Bilić will give them all his knowledge and experience to help them.

What's next for Bilić?

Bilić will have to prepare the Vatreni for the match against the Czech Republic in September. Bilić will have to give them all his knowledge and experience to help them win tough matches in the future.

Last result: Portugal 2-1 Croatia (2026-07-02). Recent form (last 5): 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW, most recent first); lost the last 2. Next fixture: vs Czechia (away, 2026-09-26) (4th in the table).