The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already brought major changes on the sidelines, with nine national team coaches leaving their positions after their countries were knocked out of the tournament.
The latest to step down is Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic, who ended his tenure following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 32.
The Croatian Football Federation confirmed the 59-year-old’s decision in a statement released on Wednesday, bringing to an end a spell that lasted almost nine years.
“Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia.”
Dalic’s exit came shortly after Portugal manager Roberto Martinez also left his role following his team’s World Cup campaign, with his departure announced earlier this week.
Several other nations have also made coaching changes after falling short in the competition. Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz, Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, Ecuador’s Sebastian Beccacece, Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, Czechia’s Miroslav Koubek, Scotland’s Steve Clarke, and South Korea’s Hong Myung-bo have all departed following their respective eliminations.
The growing list of managerial exits highlights the intense pressure national team coaches face at major international tournaments, where early elimination often leads to swift changes in leadership.
