Who will be Croatia coach after Zlatko Dalić? The leading candidates

Zlatko Dalić and Luka Modrić

Croatia’s exit from the FIFA World Cup has sparked speculation over the future of national team head coach Zlatko Dalić.

While the national team now enters a short break, attention is already turning towards September, when Croatia begin their UEFA Nations League campaign.

The next gathering is only around two and a half months away, although it remains unclear who will be leading the team.

Dalić’s current contract with the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) expired following Croatia’s exit at the World Cup.

The HNS have made no secret of their desire to keep the 59-year-old in charge after one of the most successful eras in Croatian football history. However, reports continue to suggest Dalić has already decided to step away from the role and potentially return to club football in the Middle East, where he built much of his coaching career before taking charge of Croatia in 2017.

During his time in charge, Croatia have enjoyed unprecedented success on the international stage. Under Dalić, the national team won silver at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, bronze at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and finished runners-up in the 2023 UEFA Nations League, collecting three major medals in total.

Should Dalić leave, a number of familiar names have been talked about as his replacement.

The leading contender is widely regarded to be former Croatia head coach Slaven Bilić.

Currently without a coaching role, Bilić would bring extensive international experience. He previously led Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the team to memorable performances at UEFA Euro 2008.

Two candidates already within the national team setup are also expected to be options.

Slaven Bilic (Photo: Joshjdss/CC BY 2.0)

Ivica Olić has worked closely alongside Dalić during Croatia’s last three World Cup campaigns and is currently head coach of the Croatia Under-21 side. His familiarity with the current squad and coaching structure could make him a choice.

Another internal candidate is Vedran Ćorluka, who has served as one of Dalić’s assistants at both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. The former Croatia defender is highly regarded within the federation and has gained valuable coaching experience with the senior national team.

Krunoslav Jurčić also enters the conversation as an outsider following an impressive spell in Egypt. Since taking charge of Pyramids FC in 2024, he has guided the club to its first domestic league title and its first CAF Champions League triumph.

With Dalić’s contract having expired and speculation continuing over his future, a decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Croatia’s UEFA Nations League campaign begins in September.