How Kalinic's World Cup refusal ended his Croatia career before the final

Nikola Kalinic’s international career ended in controversy at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, when Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic dismissed the striker from the squad after he refused to enter the pitch as a substitute during the opening group match against Nigeria.

Dalic confirmed that Kalinic had been warming up and was set to come on in the second half, but the forward told the coaching staff he was not fit to play due to a back problem. It was not an isolated incident. Dalic said the same issue had arisen during a friendly against Brazil and before a training session, prompting him to act.

“During the Nigeria encounter, Kalinic was warming up and was supposed to come on in the second half,” Dalic said at the time. “However, he then stated he wasn’t ready to come on due to a back issue. I have calmly accepted that, and since I need my players fit and ready to play, I have made this decision.”

The Croatian Football Association confirmed that Dalic had consulted his coaching staff before sending Kalinic home. The decision left Croatia with just 22 players for the remainder of the tournament, with no provision to call up a replacement.

Far from being derailed, Croatia went on to produce one of the most remarkable runs in World Cup history. They topped Group D by beating Nigeria, Argentina and Iceland, then eliminated Denmark, Russia and England in the knockout stages to reach the final — the first in the nation’s history. France ultimately won 4-2, but the achievement was celebrated across Croatia.

Kalinic was technically eligible for a runners-up medal despite not playing a single minute, but he declined it. “I did not want the medal as I did not contribute during the tournament, did not share in the achievement of the team,” he said after the competition.

The striker, who enjoyed a 20-year professional career that included spells at Blackburn Rovers and Atletico Madrid, retired from football last year. He ended his international tenure with 41 caps and 15 goals — his final appearance for Croatia coming before the tournament even reached its dramatic conclusion.

The story resurfaces now as Croatia and England prepare to meet in a UEFA Nations League Group A3 fixture, their first encounter since England defeated Croatia 4-2 at the 2026 World Cup. Both sides head into the match with one win apiece.