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

Slaven Bilic’s return as Croatia’s head coach marks the start of a rebuilding phase after the nation’s early World Cup exit, inheriting a side knocked out in the round of 32 by a 2‑1 loss to Portugal and succeeding Zlatko Dalic.

Zlatko Dalic resigned last week, a development reported by Getty, ending a nine‑year spell that saw Croatia reach the 2018 World Cup final and finish third in 2022. The federation hailed him as the greatest Croatian coach of all time.

Bilic inherits a side eliminated by Portugal, a 2‑1 defeat marred by a controversial off‑side call. The loss underscores the urgency of a fresh tactical direction ahead of future tournaments.

Bilic returns to a job he left 14 years ago after six years in charge, bringing Premier League experience with West Ham and West Bromwich Albion, as well as spells in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. His résumé also lists time in the Turkish league and the Saudi Arabian competition.

Arguably Bilic’s most famous match during his first spell came in November 2007 when Croatia beat the Three Lions 3‑2 at a rain‑soaked Wembley, denying England a place in the European Championship and prompting Steve McClaren to resign. As a player, Bilic was a standout defender in the Croatian side that finished third at the 1998 World Cup.

Bilic’s most recent coaching role was with Al Fateh from July 2023 to August 2024, adding further Saudi Arabian experience. Croatia now look to build towards Euro 2028, a tournament set across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, offering Bilic a long‑term platform to restore the nation’s standing in Europe.