5-star Journeys to Mexico’s Major Sporting Events

The International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) and FIA Foundation, in partnership with the Automobile Club of Mexico (Asociación Nacional Automovilística Mexico – ANA) et le Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), have commenced a project to assess the safety of journeys to and from Mexico’s FIFA World Cup stadiums and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The project, which aims to promote 5-star safe, inclusive and sustainable journeys for the thousands of people travelling to and from the events, is applying the globally recognised iRAP Star Rating methodology to key access networks surrounding FIFA World Cup host venues in Guadalajara and Monterrey, as well as the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, home of the Formula 1.

With a strong focus on pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, the assessment will map the safety performance of roads, crossings, footpaths, intersections and public transport connections used by the thousands of athletes, spectators, workers and local communities around the precincts.

The project aims to identify high-risk locations and provide evidence-based recommendations to support infrastructure improvements, event readiness, operational traffic management and safer route and travel mode choices. It will also consider how Star Rating information could support event navigation and intelligent mobility tools.

Large-scale sporting events bring exceptional opportunities to create a positive safety legacy. The influx of spectators, high pedestrian volumes and complex movements between walking, cycling, public transport and vehicles can create heightened risks around major venues – but also provide a catalyst for lasting improvements.

The project will examine how infrastructure and event traffic management can work together to improve safety during peak arrival and departure periods, including the challenges created by crowd surges, pedestrian crossings, public transport interchanges and interactions with surrounding traffic.

Avi Silverman, Deputy Director of the FIA Foundation said, “Major sporting events bring together fans and local communities, leading to heavy road traffic, creating risk but also the opportunity to strengthen safer mobility systems. At the FIA Foundation, we are proud to support the infrastructure solutions that make every trip safe, easily accessible, and sustainable for visitors and as a legacy of social action. This campaign, with our long-term partner iRAP, builds on work across the Mexican host cities for the 2026 World Cup, which translated commitment for lasting change into concrete actions.”

The work forms part of a broader global 5-Star Journeys to Events Initiative involving event and venue owners, iRAP, the FIA Foundation, mobility and technology leaders, governments and cities, engineering consultancies, transport operators, and mobility advocates.

Beyond supporting upcoming events in Mexico, the project will help build knowledge, capacity and an international benchmark that can inform future FIFA World Cups, Formula 1 races, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Formula E, UEFA events, concerts and music festivals, and other major global gatherings.

By identifying risks before the crowds arrive and prioritising improvements where they are needed most, the project aims to ensure that the legacy of great sporting events extends long after the final whistle and chequered flag – helping create safer, more sustainable journeys for local communities and future generations.

Read more on iRAP partnerships to deliver 5-star journeys to major events ici.