The Chicago Fire’s return from the World Cup break — as well as the potential debut of recently acquired striker Robert Lewandowski — is on hold.
The Fire on Thursday afternoon postponed their match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Soldier Field, because of poor air-quality conditions in the Chicago area from wildfire smoke. The match was rescheduled for Oct. 6.
A postmatch Two Friends concert also was postponed, with the club saying further details would be provided at a later date.
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“The decision was made with the health and safety of fans, players, staff and all event personnel as the top priority,” the Fire said in a release announcing the postponement. “The club reached the decision in close consultation with local health experts, Major League Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps and the city of Chicago.”
The Fire on June 29 announced a two-year contract with Lewandowski, the former Barcelona striker and Poland’s all-time leading scorer. Lewandowski, who will turn 38 on Aug. 21, was eligible to play his first match for the Fire on Thursday.
Their next game is scheduled for Wednesday in Miami.
Lewandowski helped Barcelona win three La Liga championships in four seasons, including this year, and one title at Copa del Rey, Spain’s national tournament. He scored 119 goals in 192 appearances with the club.
He also has played a record 167 international games for Poland, beginning with a goal in his debut against San Marino in 2008, when he was 20. Lewandowski is Poland’s all-time leading scorer with 89 goals.
Lewandowski is a designated player, one of three roster spots that MLS teams carry that can exceed the salary cap. The Fire are scheduled to open McDonald’s Park, a soccer-specific stadium in the South Loop, in 2028.
The Fire last played May 23, their final match before MLS went on hiatus because of the FIFA World Cup, which concludes Sunday. They are 8-4-2 and in third place in the Eastern Conference.
