Zlatko Dalic takes the reins of the Emirates selection
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
After nine years at the helm of Croatia, Zlatko Dalic arrives in the United Arab Emirates as their new coach. He will have the mission of relaunching a selection in full reconstruction after missing direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
According to Championship.
Context
Zlatko Dalic, former Croatia coach, led the national team for almost nine years, reaching the final of the 2018 World Cup and winning a bronze medal in 2022. His experience and impressive track record make him a strategic choice for the UAE as it seeks to regain its place on the world stage of international football.
Why it matters
The appointment of Zlatko Dalic as UAE coach represents a crucial moment for international football in the region. After a prolonged absence from the World Cup final stages, the team hopes to regain its prestige under the leadership of a coach with proven experience at the highest level. Dalic has led Croatia to notable successes, and his arrival could breathe new life into the Emirates team.
Key points
- Zlatko Dalic takes the reins of the Emirates selection.
- After nine years at the helm of Croatia, Zlatko Dalic arrives in the United Arab Emirates as their new coach.
- The main part of the steel is new steel.
The United Arab Emirates Football Federation formalized the appointment of Zlatko Dalic as national coach on Tuesday. The Croatian technician, who until recently led the Croatian selection, succeeds Cosmin Olăroiu, ousted in May after the team's failure during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
In a press release, the UAE Federation welcomed this arrival: “Welcome Zlatko Dalic! » we can read in the official communication. The challenge promises to be significant for Dalic, who inherits a team in search of renewal and whose objective remains qualification and a good performance at the next World Cup co-organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Zlatko Dalic, 57, has an impressive international track record. At the head of Croatia for almost nine years, he led the Croatian golden generation to the final of the 2018 World Cup in Russia (defeat against France), the bronze medal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and a finalist place in the 2022/2023 Nations League. However, at the end of his mandate, Croatia lost in the 1/16 finals of the 2026 World Cup against Portugal.
Image
For the United Arab Emirates, who have not participated in a World Cup final phase since their first and only appearance in 1990, the arrival of Dalic marks a turning point. The Croatian technician will have to give a new dynamic to a selection that is losing momentum on the Asian scene and whose supporters are hoping for a return among the great nations of the continent.
His priority will be to revive a squad bruised by laborious qualifiers and to prepare for the next continental event as well as the qualifying play-offs for the 2026 World Cup. There will be no shortage of challenges for Dalic, between squad renewal, affirmation of a playing identity and psychological reconstruction of a group still marked by failure.
With this ambitious choice, the United Arab Emirates are banking on Dalic's international experience to open a new chapter and claim a return to the biggest world stage.
The rest
Zlatko Dalic is now tasked with rebuilding a UAE team that needs to reinvent itself after disappointing performances. His first challenge will be to prepare the team for the next qualifiers and aim for a place at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Expectations are high, and supporters hope that Dalic will be able to get the best out of his players to restore the team's image.
Frequently asked questions
Who has been named UAE coach?
Zlatko Dalic has been named UAE national coach.
Why was Zlatko Dalic chosen as coach?
Zlatko Dalic was chosen because of his international experience and his impressive record with Croatia.
Who was the previous UAE coach?
The previous coach was Cosmin Olăroiu, who was ousted after the team's failure in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
What is Zlatko Dalic's main goal with the UAE?
Zlatko Dalic's main goal is to qualify the team for the next World Cup and improve its performance.
Qua
nd was the last time the United Arab Emirates participated in a World Cup?
The United Arab Emirates participated in their last World Cup in 1990.