Slaven Bilic has been appointed as the new head coach of the Croatia national team. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) officially confirmed his return to lead the 'Vatreni', as reported by Goal, following Zlatko Dalic's resignation after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup.
Bilic, who previously managed the national side from 2006 to 2012, has signed a new deal and ends a two-year break from management. His immediate priority will be talks with captain Luka Modric about his international future. Modric has announced he will retire from Croatia duty this October to focus solely on AC Milan.
What led to the managerial change?
The change in the dugout came after Croatia's elimination in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Portugal. The match was marred by a major VAR controversy, which led to an official complaint from HNS to FIFA. In the dying seconds of the match, a goal by Igor Matanovic was disallowed for an offside detected by Connected Ball Technology. Portugal advanced with a 2-1 victory.
Zlatko Dalic, who led the team for nine years and secured a runners-up finish at the 2018 World Cup, decided to step down. He has already secured a new role, taking charge of the United Arab Emirates national team.
What is the future for key players?
Beyond the managerial switch, the future of captain Luka Modric is in focus. Reports indicate Modric is ready to sign a new one-year contract extension with AC Milan. He has announced his final appearance for Croatia will be in October 2026. Bilic has expressed a desire to speak with the veteran midfielder but will respect his decision.
Other experienced players like Mateo Kovacic and Marcel Brozovic remain pillars of the squad. You can view the current player pool on our squad page.
What does the schedule look like post-World Cup?
With a new coach at the helm, Croatia turns its attention to new challenges. The next major target is the qualification cycle for the 2028 European Championship. The first friendly matches of the new era are expected this autumn.
The team aims to rebuild its competitive edge after the disappointing World Cup exit. Bilic will have the opportunity to test new combinations and potentially call up young talents to ensure a smooth transition. The full schedule of upcoming matches can be followed on our fixtures page.
The return of Slaven Bilic brings experience and a fresh impetus to the Croatia national team. His first real test will come in competitive matches, where it will be seen if he can steer the 'Vatreni' back to success.
