Zlatko Dalic Resigns After Croatia World Cup Exit

Zlatko Dalic has left his post as Croatia’s coach after the nation’s early exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026. The 59‑year‑old, who took charge in 2017, guided Croatia to a runner‑up finish in 2018 and a third‑place spot in 2022. His departure marks the 12th managerial exit of the tournament, underscoring a turbulent campaign for many nations.

Dalic’s Legacy and Sudden Exit

Dalíc is hailed as the greatest coach in Croatian soccer history, having built a side that consistently punched above its weight on the global stage. His nine‑year tenure produced memorable runs, including the final against France in 2018 and the semis three years later. After a heartbreaking 2‑1 loss to Portugal in the Round of 32, Dalic announced his resignation, saying VAR rulings “take the joy out of football.”

The loss occurred at Toronto Stadium on July 2, 2026, with the Argentine‑born forward Rafael Leão netting the decisive goal in the dying seconds. Croatia’s effort was undone by a controversial offside call on Josko Gvardiol, who appeared to equalize in the 103rd minute.

Controversial VAR Decision

Josko Gvardiol’s goal was denied after the ball struck teammate Igor Matanović’s hair, leading the referee to invoke an offside ruling. FIFA’s Snickometer, a microchip embedded in the ball, was used to confirm contact and support the decision. Portugal advanced 2‑1, eliminating Croatia from the tournament.

Even as the controversy lingered, Dalic reflected on the broader issue of technology in the game, noting that such interventions can diminish the emotional highs that fans cherish. The match also highlighted Croatia’s struggles to convert chances despite dominant possession.

A Wave of Coaching Changes

Dalíc is the latest of a dozen managers to depart during the 2026 World Cup. Roberto Martínez resigned following Spain’s 1‑0 Round of 16 loss, while Javier Aguirre (Mexico), Carlos Queiroz (Ghana), Julian Nagelsmann (Germany), Sebastian Beccacece (Ecuador), Ronald Koeman (Netherlands), Miroslav Koubek (Czechia), Steve Clarke (Scotland), Hong Myung‑bo (South Korea), Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay), and Sabri Lamouchi (Tunisia) have all left their posts either mid‑tournament or after elimination.

Lamouchi’s exit was the most dramatic, coming after Tunisia’s 5‑1 drubbing by Sweden in the opening group match. Several coaches, including Aguirre, Koeman, and Bielsa, had already announced plans to step down after the competition ends. France’s Didier Deschamps is set to follow suit once his squad concludes its run.

Meanwhile, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino faces an uncertain future. His contract runs out at the tournament’s close, and U.S. Soccer has begun talks on a new deal. Pochettino kept his cards close after a 4‑1 defeat to Belgium, saying extension talks could start “in the next weeks if the federation wants.”

The collective churn of managers signals a period of transition for many national teams, with Croatia now searching for a new figure to continue Dalic’s renaissance. Fans and analysts will watch closely as the quarterfinal stage unfolds, hoping for fresher leadership and fewer VAR controversies.