The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) unanimously appointed Slaven Bilić as the new head coach of the men’s national soccer team on Monday, July 13, 2026. Bilić replaces Zlatko Dalić, who resigned last week following Croatia’s round-of-32 exit against Portugal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending an era-defining nine-year tenure.
Bilić inherits a transitioning squad that achieved historic heights under Dalić, notably finishing as runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and securing third place in 2022. The team’s immediate objective will now shift toward squad renewal ahead of the Euro 2028 qualification cycle.
“I am genuinely happy to start this challenge and I feel fully prepared for it — as a more mature and experienced coach,” Bilić said in an official federation statement.
