‘Like a movie script’: Michael McArdle backs Northern Ireland to make history

Michael McArdle, who took over as Northern Ireland women’s manager in March, told The Guardian that his focus has been on turning the squad into a "play‑off ready" side. The next challenge is a two‑legged encounter with Portugal, which will decide whether the team can keep alive its dream of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in Brazil.

McArdle’s path to the job was far from conventional. For seven and a half years he worked in construction while playing semi‑professional football, studied building services engineering and raised three children with his wife. He used any spare earnings to fund his coaching badges, eventually deciding to accept a drastic pay cut – he estimates a 300 % drop in salary – to pursue full‑time coaching.

The former construction worker says the gamble has paid off, pointing to the progress the squad has made in a short period. "We have built a mindset and a level of professionalism that puts us in contention for the play‑offs," he said.

If Northern Ireland can overcome Portugal, they would join a select group of nations aiming to write their name on the World Cup stage for the first time. The upcoming fixtures will be closely watched by supporters eager to see whether this real‑life underdog story can indeed become a historic achievement.