Zlatko Dalic, the former head coach of the Croatian national team, has taken charge of the UAE national team with the primary goal of leading the "Whites" to the 2030 World Cup. This tournament represents an opportunity to end the UAE's four-decade wait to return to the world's grandest football stage.

The UAE’s only World Cup appearance dates back to Italy 1990. After missing out on the 2026 tournament following a playoff defeat to Iraq, the federation turned to Dalic. The coach noted that he accepted the offer due to the Football Association's vision, aiming to achieve something significant and realize the dream of qualification.

The Croatian coach is well-acquainted with UAE football, having managed Al Ain from 2014 to 2017. During his tenure, he won the UAE Pro League and led the club to the AFC Champions League final. His familiarity with the local football landscape is expected to be a vital asset in rebuilding the national squad.

Dalic’s most notable achievements were with the Croatian national team, where he reached the 2018 World Cup final and secured a third-place finish in Qatar four years later. The Croatian Football Federation recognizes these two medals as the most significant successes in the history of the national team.

Known for his tactical organization and midfield control, Dalic now intends to build a squad featuring a blend of youth and experience. He emphasized that the coaching staff is focused on identifying players capable of executing the national team's strategic objectives.

Dalic’s first major challenges before the World Cup qualifying campaign begins will be the Gulf Cup, scheduled for September 23 to October 6, and the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. While he acknowledged the importance of these competitions, he stressed that the 2030 World Cup remains the ultimate goal of the UAE's new national team project.