Fourteen years later, Slaven Bilic returns as Croatia's head coach

Slaven Bilic has been reappointed as Croatia's head coach, a decision confirmed by the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) on Monday, succeeding Zlatko Dalic after the latter's round‑of‑16 exit at the World Cup. The appointment ends a fourteen‑year hiatus for Bilic, who previously managed the national side. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced the coaching change on Monday. The federation issued a statement confirming Bilic's return. Bilic's return marks his first spell as Croatia's head coach in fourteen years. His previous tenure ended amid a series of managerial changes.

Bilic’s comeback forces Croatia into a World Cup rebuilding era

He succeeds Zlatko Dalic, who guided Croatia until their elimination in the round of 16 of the World Cup. Dalic's departure follows that tournament exit, which was the final point of his tenure. The round‑of‑16 loss concluded Dalic's time in charge of the national side. The federation now looks to Bilic to steer Croatia forward.