Scotland v Belarus 2026 FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qualifier 12/10/2025. Group C Andy Robertson of Scotland during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier, Scotland vs Belarus, The National Stadium, Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, 12/10/2025. Hampden Park The National Stadium Glasgow Scotland Editorial use only , Copyright: xColinxPoultneyx PSI-23023-0087
Scotland centre-back Jack Hendry has made clear he has absolutely no fear ahead of facing Brazil at the World Cup in Miami on Wednesday night.
The 31-year-old defender is expected to come up against the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Endrick, Matheus Cunha or Igor Thiago in a Group C showdown.
While the prospect of facing such a formidable attacking lineup might unsettle some defenders, Hendry insists it brings the best out of him.
When asked how he felt about a potential duel with 34-year-old Neymar, Hendry shrugged and said: “Yeah, no problem.”
Hendry has already faced some of the game’s greatest players during stints at Club Brugge in Belgium and Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi league.
While at Club Brugge in 2021, he went head-to-head with Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe across a two-legged Champions League tie against PSG.
Speaking from Scotland’s base camp in Charlotte, Hendry said: “You have to go into these games with no fear. It’s important to have these challenges before because you gain confidence.”
He added: “These challenges can only help you as a player, it brings the best out in you. Those moments early in your career can only be good going forward.”
Hendry reflected on that PSG experience, noting that Scotland drew 1-1 in Belgium before losing 4-1 in the return leg, saying: “You need to concentrate throughout against these players. Because if you switch off for one second, they’ll punish you.”
Neymar suffered an ACL injury during his time in the Saudi league, which kept him out for an extended spell, but Hendry said: “I’d have liked to play against him more. But I played against him twice in the Champions League when he was at PSG — that was a good test.”
When asked to name the top three opponents of his career, Hendry said: “Mbappe, well you’ve seen in this tournament how good he is. At this moment in time, he’s probably one of the best players in the world, if not the best.”
He continued: “Then Benzema from a striker’s point of view, he’s just a killer. And then Ronaldo, who obviously speaks for himself.”
During his time in Saudi Arabia, Hendry has also tested himself against Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and England forward Ivan Toney, among others.
Hendry has been in solid form at this World Cup, keeping a clean sheet in the win over Haiti before helping hold Morocco to a 1-0 scoreline in defeat.
Scotland still have a genuine chance to make history by reaching the knockout phase for the very first time, but they likely need a result against Brazil to do so.
Hendry said: “We can use the history as fuel, for sure. With the squad we’ve got and the performances we’ve shown so far, there’s confidence within the group that we can get a result.”
He also spoke of the broader significance of the fixture, saying: “My first memory of Brazil is the Brazilian Ronaldo. So to now potentially play against them is what dreams are made of.”
Hendry closed with a confident message for supporters back home, saying: “I certainly relish the challenge. These are the games you want to be involved in. We’re desperate to do well in the game and make it a memorable night.”
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