South Africa's return to football's grandest stage comes in one of the tournament's most intimidating settings, with nearly 90,000 home supporters expected to pack the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City for the Group A encounter.

While acknowledging the scale of the challenge, Broos believes his side is ready both mentally and physically for the task ahead.

"It will be a special and fantastic experience for us because my players have never played in this kind of situation before," said the Belgian coach.

"It will be very important for us to stick to the game plan and not listen to what is happening in the stands. We all know there will be thousands of Mexicans in the stadium and maybe a few South Africans.

"We know that we have the support of the nation and we felt it in the last few days. All of South Africa is supporting us. This is something we have to remember when the game starts, that we are playing for our nation and for all those people who believe in us."

Broos has spent much of the build-up studying Javier Aguirre's side and admitted he has been impressed by what he has seen from the co-hosts, particularly their emphatic 5-1 victory over Serbia in a recent friendly.

"They are a complete team with movement and solidarity," he said.

"When you watch them play, you can see they really want to become world champions with their commitment in the game.

"I saw their game against Serbia and it was fantastic how they played, especially in the first half. They impressed with their movement, aggression, solidarity and defence. They are a complete team and it is going to be difficult for us."

Despite his admiration for Mexico, Broos insists South Africa will not enter the match believing they are beaten before kick-off.

"Football is football and we can't think that we don't have a chance against them," he said.

"We have to be prepared properly and play at our best level. We know which opponent we are playing and we are focused on them.

"We will analyse their qualities and also look at where we can be dangerous and hurt them. This is the work we are doing."

Away from the tactical preparations, Bafana have also been dealing with the challenges posed by Mexico City's altitude, which sits around 2,300 metres above sea level. The squad established its base in nearby Pachuca ahead of the tournament to aid acclimatisation.

Broos admitted the conditions initially proved difficult during a 1-1 warm-up draw against Jamaica but believes the team has adapted well and is ready for the demands of the tournament.

The coach also brushed aside concerns after footage from South Africa's closed-door friendly against Jamaica was reportedly leaked online.

Broos said he was surprised by the incident but does not believe it gives Mexico any meaningful advantage, arguing that modern analysts already have extensive information on every World Cup participant.

Thursday's encounter also carries personal significance for the 74-year-old coach. Four decades after representing Belgium at the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Broos will return to the same country hoping to guide South Africa to a memorable start on the global stage.

And with Bafana shirts reportedly sold out across the country and excitement building back home, Broos says his players understand exactly what is at stake.

"I just heard that there is no Bafana shirt available in South Africa," he said.

"It means a lot to us and it is for those people that we will fight like lions."

Hugo Broos chasing fairytale ending with Bafana Bafana at FIFA World Cup 2026