Slaven Bilic returns as Croatia head coach after 14 years, replacing Zlatko Dalic following World Cup exit

Croatia moved quickly to name a successor to Zlatko Dalic, appointing Slaven Bilic for a second spell as head coach on Monday. The HNS executive committee approved the proposal of president Marijan Kustic, formalising a return that ends Bilic's 14-year absence from the national team dugout.

The departure of a golden era

Dalic stood down after nine years in charge, a tenure that delivered the nation's greatest footballing achievements. He oversaw 110 matches with a record of 57 wins, 25 draws and 28 losses. His Croatia side reached the 2018 World Cup final, losing to France, before taking bronze at Qatar 2022 with a third-place play-off win over Morocco. Croatia also reached the 2023 Nations League final, losing to Spain. The journey ended on the pitch with a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. Portugal scored the winner deep into stoppage time. Dalic resigned the following Wednesday, nearly a week after the elimination.

The appointment

Kustic acknowledged the weight of the succession. "The succession of Zlatko is not an easy task," he said, referencing the silverware-laden Dalic years, "yet we are convinced that Slaven is the right man for this role." The HNS did not disclose the length of Bilic's contract. Bilic, 57, called the appointment "the greatest possible honour" and said he was aware of the high expectations. He had been without a club since his stint at Saudi Pro League side Al-Fateh ended in August 2024. His record there was 13 wins from 36 matches.

I have the complete confidence in our players, and it is my responsibility to bring energy, ambition, and determination to ensure that Croatia remains among football's elite.

I am genuinely happy to start this challenge and I feel fully prepared for it, as a more mature and experienced coach than in 2006, yet with the same motivation and desire to see Croatia stay powerful, bold, and successful.

Bilic's first spell

Bilic previously led Croatia from 2006 to 2012, taking over after two years with the under-21 side. His first tenure produced a quarter-final run at Euro 2008, where Croatia lost to Turkey on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The team missed qualification for the 2010 World Cup and exited Euro 2012 at the group stage. After leaving the national team, Bilic built a broad club coaching career with spells at Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Watford, Beijing Guoan, and two Saudi clubs (Al-Ittihad and Al-Fateh).

Player pedigree

As a central defender, Bilic earned 44 caps for Croatia and scored three international goals. He played at Euro 1996 and was part of the squad that won bronze at the 1998 World Cup in France, the nation's first appearance at the tournament. His club playing career included a spell at Karlsruher SC in Germany from 1993 to 1996 and a stint at West Ham, where he later returned as manager.

What comes next

Bilic inherits a squad still carrying the core of Dalic's successful generation, including veteran captain Luka Modric, and faces the task of rebuilding towards the next major tournament. No immediate fixture was announced alongside the appointment. Croatia finished second in World Cup qualifying Group L, one point behind England, before the Portugal defeat ended the campaign.