The MLS is set to resume after nearly a two-month break due to the 2026 World Cup. There were four matches set to be played on Thursday, July 16, including the Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps.
The match was set to be played at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, and fans would have watched the MLS debut of the new Chicago Fire striker Robert Lewandowski.
The Polish striker signed for the MLS club a few weeks ago and was set to make his debut against Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps.
Photo by Chicago Fire FC/MLS via Getty Images
Lewandowski trained with his new team this past week, and Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed that he was set to give the legendary striker minutes tonight.
However, new reports suggest that the game will be postponed, and it will not be played tonight.
Why Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps Match Is Postponed
According to Tom Bogert of The Athletic, the Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps match has been postponed due to unsafe air quality. Canadian wildfire smoke has blown south to Chicago, Illinois, putting a hold on Robert Lewandowski’s MLS debut.
The breathing conditions in Chicago are labeled "hazardous," and Chicago Fire Insider Alex Calabrese reports that The Park District, which also operates Soldier Field, has evacuated beaches.
The Chicago Fire announced that the game will be rescheduled for October 6, 2026, at Soldier Field due to the 'poor air quality conditions in the Chicago Area resulting from wildfire smoke.'
Lewandowski's MLS debut for the Chicago Fire is now expected to be next Wednesday, July 22, against Inter Miami at Nu Stadium.
