Zlatko Dalic appointed United Arab Emirates manager after nine years with Croatia

Zlatko Dalic has been appointed manager of the United Arab Emirates, succeeding Cosmin Olaroiu after the team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The UAE Football Association announced the appointment of the 59-year-old Croatian on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.

Olaroiu left his position after the United Arab Emirates were beaten by Iraq in the World Cup qualifying play-off. Dalic will now take charge of the national team as it begins a new phase following its unsuccessful bid to reach the tournament.

The appointment marks a return to the UAE for Dalic, who previously managed Al Ain from 2014 to 2017. During that period, he guided the club to the domestic league and cup titles and also led them to the 2016 AFC Champions League final.

Dalic arrives with extensive international experience after spending nine years as Croatia manager. He took charge of his country in 2017 and remained in the role until his departure after the 2026 World Cup.

His time with Croatia brought a series of significant achievements and saw the team come close to winning major international honours. He led Croatia to silver at the 2022 World Cup and bronze at the 2018 tournament.

Croatia also reached the final of the 2023 UEFA Nations League under Dalic, finishing with a silver medal.

During his tenure, Croatia played 111 matches, winning 62, drawing 20 and losing 29. The team’s 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the round of 32 after a 2-1 defeat by Portugal.

Dalic’s return to the UAE gives him the opportunity to work in a familiar domestic football environment while taking on responsibility for the national side. His previous success with Al Ain, combined with his long spell at the head of Croatia, will form the basis of his credentials as he starts the new assignment.

The United Arab Emirates had been coached by Olaroiu before his departure following the failure to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup. Their defeat by Iraq in the play-off brought an end to their qualifying hopes and led to the change in management.

Dalic’s first task will be to rebuild the team and guide the UAE through the next stage of its international programme. His appointment brings back a coach who has already won domestic honours in the country and reached the final of Asia’s leading club competition with Al Ain.