The post-FIFA World Cup reshuffle continues as several national teams are set to begin new cycles.

One such project is that of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who has appointed former Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic as their new head coach.

The 59-year-old returns to the country about a decade after working as head coach of Emirati club Al-Ain.

He takes over the team at a crucial point, as they are set to take part in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and will look to qualify for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Dalic Takes Charge of UAE Until 2030

Fresh from leaving his post as Croatia national team head coach this summer, Dalic has found a new home.

He resigned from the Croatia job after their Round of 32 exit from the FIFA World Cup at the hands of Portugal.

Reports indicate that Dalic has signed a contract that will see him remain in charge until the 2030 World Cup, which they hope to reach.

He replaces Romanian tactician Cosmin Olaroiu, who was in charge for a year and was dismissed after failing to reach the World Cup.

Dalic joins Roberto Martinez, who is in talks to become Netherlands head coach, in quickly finding a new job after this summer's Mundial.

From Al Ain to Two World Cup Podiums: Dalic's Proven Record

Zlatko Dalic was a very natural choice for the UAE, with the tactician having worked extensively in the Middle East.

He worked in Saudi Arabia and the UAE between 2010 and 2017, coaching Al-Faisaly, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ain.

Dalic won four major honours in his time in the Middle East before his appointment as Croatia boss in 2017.

One year later, he led his country to their first-ever World Cup final, losing to France as they recorded their best-ever finish.

To prove that it was not a fluke, he led them to a third-place finish in the competition in 2022.

They also finished as runners-up in the UEFA Nations League in 2023 and won the FIFA Series in 2024.

He is the longest-serving head coach in Croatia's history and is regarded by many as the greatest coach in the country's history.

Dalic's UAE Mission: Build Towards the 2030 World Cup

The decision to bring in Dalic has been taken at the best possible time, giving him the opportunity to build towards a FIFA World Cup ticket.

His primary task will be to get the UAE to the next edition of the Mundial, but the steps will begin immediately.

He will lead them into his first regional tournament with the UAE, the Arabian Gulf Cup, next month, and will look to get off to a flying start.

After that, they will take part in the Asian Cup in January and February, where they will face South Korea, Vietnam, and Yemen in Group E.

Dalic will use these two tournaments to gauge the level of his team, which is ranked 68th in the world.

He is unlikely to be judged on these tournaments, but will use them to gain some form of stability in his squad and get to know the players.

His long-term mandate will be to construct a durable core capable of realistically reaching a first FIFA World Cup since 1990.