Saipan

Steve Coogan stars in this recreation of the 2002 pre-World Cup showdown between Republic of Ireland coach Mick McCarthy and captain Roy Keane.

In 2002, the Republic of Ireland’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup were derailed by a calamitous training camp on the Japanese island of Saipan. Inadequate facilities, an apparent “happy just to be here” attitude (and the absence of footballs), caused simmering frustrations to erupt into one of football’s most infamous fallouts, as captain Roy Keane clashed with team manager Mick McCarthy.

With electrifying performances from Éanna Hardwicke as a volatile yet principled - and surprisingly sensitive - Roy Keane, and Steve Coogan as the quietly embattled, English-born McCarthy, Saipan explores a rivalry that transcended sport. Their confrontation gripped fans worldwide and divided a nation. But beyond the headlines, the film probes broader themes of leadership, loyalty, masculinity, and national identity.