The 2026 FIFA World Cup has triggered a wave of managerial changes, with nine national team coaches leaving their positions after their countries were eliminated from the tournament.
The latest to step down is Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic, who ended his nearly nine-year tenure following his side’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 32.
The Croatian Football Federation confirmed Dalic’s departure in a statement on Wednesday.
ALSO READ: Dalic steps down as Croatia coach after World Cup exit
“Following nearly nine years, head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to close his incredibly successful chapter with Croatia.”
Dalic guided Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final and a third-place finish at the 2022 tournament, making him one of the country’s most successful national team coaches.
His exit came shortly after Portugal head coach, Roberto Martinez, also left his position following his team’s World Cup campaign.
Several other nations have also made managerial changes after falling short at the tournament.
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.
Full list of coaches who have left after the 2026 World Cup
Zlatko Dalic – Croatia
Roberto Martinez – Portugal
Carlos Queiroz – Ghana
Julian Nagelsmann – Germany
Sebastian Beccacece – Ecuador
Ronald Koeman – Netherlands
Miroslav Koubek – Czechia
Steve Clarke – Scotland
Hong Myung-bo – South Korea
