Will Dalić stay on after Croatia's World Cup exit?

Following Croatia's World Cup elimination, the future of Head Coach Zlatko Dalić remains uncertain after his contract with the Croatian Football Federation expired at the end of the tournament.

Dalić has led the Vatreni for eight and a half years, guiding Croatia to three major medals: World Cup silver in 2018, bronze in 2022, and a UEFA Nations League silver medal. The federation offered him a new contract through the 2028 European Championship, but Dalić chose to postpone a decision until after the World Cup.

Under his current contract, Dalić reportedly earned €180,000 gross per month. Media reports have linked him with the United Arab Emirates national team, where he would reportedly be offered a significantly more lucrative salary.

Keeping Dalić would provide continuity for a national team entering a period of transition. Despite a decline in results over the past two to three years, the Croatian Football Federation is expected to do everything it can to keep the country's most successful national team coach if he remains motivated to continue.

Attention is also turning to the future of veteran stars Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić ahead of the European Championship qualifiers, which begin in September. Many believe it is time for both to step aside, although their international futures could depend on whether Dalić remains in charge.

Meanwhile, speculation over a possible successor continues. Slaven Bilić has been linked with a return to the national team, while Dalić has previously identified his assistant and Croatia Under-21 coach, Ivica Olić, as a natural successor.

The national team is scheduled to arrive in Zagreb at 2 p.m. on Saturday, with a decision on Dalić's future expected in the coming days.