UK distributor Vertigo Releasing has unveiled the official trailer for Saipan, a gripping Irish sports drama that’s about way more than football. Directed by acclaimed duo Lisa Barros D’Sa & Glenn Leyburn, this cinematic retelling of the infamous 2002 World Cup fallout between Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy is set to shake up UK and Irish cinemas in January 2026.
For those unfamiliar with the backstory: on the eve of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Ireland’s beloved team captain Roy Keane dramatically exited the squad during a training camp in Saipan, after a now-legendary confrontation with team manager Mick McCarthy. What unfolded wasn’t just a sporting scandal—it was national drama, one that still sparks debate in pubs across Ireland to this day.
Saipan stars Éanna Hardwicke (in what looks like a breakout role) as the brooding, mercurial Roy Keane, and the ever-versatile Steve Coogan as the embattled Mick McCarthy. The supporting cast includes Alice Lowe, Jamie Beamish, Alex Murphy, and Harriet Cains, rounding out a film that looks less like a typical sports movie and more like a pressure-cooker character study.
The trailer teases a stylish, emotionally complex take on the events, with striking visuals, sharp dialogue, and the kind of directorial flair that made comparisons to Next Goal Wins inevitable—though Saipan clearly plays in a much more dramatic league. The cinematography alone hints at something big: this isn't just about a fight over a football pitch. It’s about pride, leadership, loyalty, and the fragile human egos that can derail even the most passionate pursuit.
With a screenplay penned by Paul Fraser, and produced by a strong team including Trevor Birney and Macdara Kelleher, Saipan is set to release first in Ireland on January 1st, 2026, followed by a UK release on January 23rd. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just here for the behind-the-scenes drama, Saipan looks like one of the most compelling sports films in years.
Check Out The Trailer:-