For Socceroos defender Harry Souttar, the prospect of staring down 75,000 screaming Mexico fans is the perfect preparation for the World Cup.

Australia will face the co-hosts at Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl Stadium on Saturday (Sunday AEST) in their first warm-up match.

The stadium is expected to be at capacity with a fiercely parochial crowd behind the world No.15.

Souttar will draw on the experience of playing El Tri in Arlington in 2023 and considers it perfect preparation for Australia’s second group game against fellow co-hosts the US in Seattle on June 20 (AEST).

“Playing Mexico a couple of years ago we knew how the atmosphere was, and how loud it was, and it’s going to be very much the same tomorrow night,” Souttar said.

“It gives us a great kind of knowledge going into the tournament, especially with our second game against the States, what it’s going to be like against the home crowd.

“So it’s going to be one that’s going to benefit us, and it’s going to be a great game.

“Obviously we know they’re a good team, with a home crowd there can be that little bit of pressure, but can be an advantage as well.

“From our point of view, we’ve just got to play our game, what we’ve been working with the last three, four weeks working on our game plan, and trying to quiet the crowd.”

Coach Tony Popovic added: “This stadium is so special and the fans tomorrow and the opponent will make it feel so, so real and so close to the World Cup.

“So we’re honoured to be here, and we want to show how good we are tomorrow.”

Mexico coach Javier Aguirre wasn’t overplaying the home crowd advantage.

“There will definitely be a Mexican majority, but it’s a good test for both,” he said through an interpreter.

Souttar is just happy to be eyeing his first Socceroos game since November 2024, after a long lay-off with a ruptured Achilles.

“Obviously, long time out, but one that I’ve worked so hard to get back to,” Souttar said.

“Like four years ago (in Qatar), it made it a little bit easier knowing that I’ve got this kind of carrot at the end of it.”

Popovic is delighted to have Souttar, whom he described as “a big piece of the puzzle” available following an extended training camp.

“We’ve really seen the last probably three or four days Harry at a really, really good level, and I’m sure he will show really good signs tomorrow in the match,” Popovic said.

“So I’m delighted that he’s gone through those steps, and I feel as though we’re getting the Harry back that I remember back 15 months ago, where I only had him for basically one camp.”