The 2026 FIFA World Cup has resulted in a significant coaching shakeup, with nine managers vacating their posts after their teams were eliminated. Zlatko Dalic is the most recent coach to resign, stepping down as head of the Croatian national team after a 2-1 loss to Portugal in the Round of 32. The Croatian Football Federation announced that the 59-year-old concluded his nearly nine-year tenure on Wednesday.
Dalic’s departure follows the recent exit of Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who stepped down earlier this week. The list of managers leaving their positions after their nations’ early exits also includes Carlos Queiroz of Ghana, Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, Ecuador’s Sebastian Beccacece, and Ronald Koeman of the Netherlands. Additionally, Czechia’s Miroslav Koubek, Scotland’s Steve Clarke, and South Korea’s Hong Myung-bo have departed their roles. These numerous exits emphasize the severe expectations placed on international managers, where tournament failure frequently results in immediate leadership changes.
