Bilic, a former central defender, spent six years as Croatia coach between 2006 and 2012, leading them in two European Championship finals. Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesJuly 13, 2026 8:24 am EDT Updated Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for the second time after Zlatko Dalic stepped down from the role.Dalic, who led Croatia to the World Cup final in 2018 and a third-place finish four years later in Qatar, ended his nine-year stint in the role after a last-32 exit to Portugal earlier this month.Bilic, a former central defender, spent six years as Croatia coach between 2006 and 2012, leading them to qualification for the European Championship in 2008 and 2012.
At the proposal of HNS president Marijan Kustić, the HNS Executive Committee unanimously appointed Slaven Bilić as head coach of the #Croatia national team! 🤝
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) July 13, 2026“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,” Bilic said upon his appointment.
“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.”The 57-year-old has held a variety of club management roles since, notably at Besiktas, West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion.Bilic, who played 44 games for Croatia as a player and was part of the squad who finished third in the nation’s first World Cup in 1998, has been out of football since leaving Saudi Pro League club Al Fatteh in August 2024.Jul 13, 2026Connections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports terms
