The Croatian Football Federation announced on Wednesday the resignation of Zlatko Dalić, head coach of the national team, after nine years with the team, less than a week after Croatia bid farewell to the 2026 World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Portugal in the Round of 32. During Dalić's tenure, Croatia finished second in the 2018 World Cup and third in the 2022 edition in Qatar, but this time the team left without a medal. The federation said in a statement: 'After nearly nine years, coach Zlatko Dalić decided to close his very successful chapter with Croatia.' It added: 'Coach Dalić, we thank you for everything: the victories, achievements, qualifications, medals, unity, respect, and your unwavering commitment to fighting for Croatia on and off the pitch.'