Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia manager for a second time, succeeding Zlatko Dalic after the national team’s World Cup exit to Portugal in the round of 32. Unveiled by federation president Marijan Kustic, Bilic was praised as the architect of a generation that helped elevate Croatian football, first as a player in 1998 and later during his managerial spell from 2006 to 2012.
Bilic expressed delight at returning to the role and outlined ambitious goals, while acknowledging the challenges ahead. His first major task will be discussing the international future of 40‑year‑old captain Luka Modric, whom he hopes to convince to stay, stressing the midfielder’s importance extends far beyond his on‑field influence.
Reflecting on Croatia’s 2026 campaign, Bilic labelled the late defeat to Portugal “a robbery” after a stoppage‑time winner and a disallowed equaliser. His extensive coaching experience across Europe and the Middle East now underpins Croatia’s new chapter.