Slaven Bilic set for Croatia return after World Cup 2026 exit

Croatia’s run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to an abrupt end in the round of 32, where they fell to Portugal 1-2. The result prompted the resignation of the national team's head coach, and the Croatian Football Federation has quickly moved to find a replacement. The man lined up for the job is Slaven Bilic, a familiar face who previously managed the Vatreni from 2006 to 2012. The 57-year-old tactician has since worked at Beşiktaş, West Ham United, Al-Ittihad, West Bromwich Albion, Watford, Beijing Guoan, and most recently Al-Fateh, where he was dismissed in the summer of 2024. A deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, with Bilic reportedly signing a contract through 2028.