Croatia's "Vatrene" officially said goodbye to Zlatko Dalic on July 9, 2026, ending his nine‑year tenure that began in 2017. His departure opens the field for new leadership, with three names dominating the chatter: Slaven Bilic, Igor Tudor and Ivica Ollic.

Could Slaven Bilic return to the helm?

Bilic managed Croatia from 2006 to 2012, guiding them to the Euro 2008 quarter‑finals. He left Saudi side Al‑Fateh in 2024 and, at 57, is viewed as one of the most seasoned candidates. His track record of integrating young talents like Modric and Perisic could aid the team’s transitional phase.

How might Igor Tudor reshape the side?

Tudor recently endured a shaky seven‑game spell at Tottenham Hotspur, tarnishing his coaching résumé. Still, his pragmatic approach—solid defence paired with swift counter‑attacks—could suit the international format. At 49, he has never overseen more than 78 games for a single club, so his capacity for long‑term management remains untested.

What does Ivica Ollic bring from the sidelines?

Ollic is best known for his long‑standing involvement with Croatia—104 caps as a player and four years as Dalic’s assistant from 2017. After a brief stint managing CSKA Moscow, he returned to lead the U‑21 side. At 46, he knows the national team’s inner workings and could ensure a seamless transition.

What do these changes mean for Croatia’s future?

With Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric entering the twilight of their careers, a new generation must step up. Whether the federation picks Bilic, Tudor or Ollic, the focus will be on refreshing the midfield and attack while maintaining tactical discipline. The Croatian Football Federation seeks a coach who can leverage veteran experience and nurture emerging stars.

When will the decision be made?

HNS officials plan a meeting by the end of August, with the first official announcement expected in early September. In the meantime, Croatia will prepare for Euro 2028 qualifiers under an interim setup.

Key date: July 9, 2026 – official end of Dalic’s era.

Potential successors: Slaven Bilic (57), Igor Tudor (49), Ivica Ollic (46).