Robert Lewandowski must wait longer to make his Chicago Fire debut as their MLS match against Vancouver Whitecaps was postponed.
Chicago were due to host their Canadian opponents at Soldier Field on Thursday night, two weeks after Lewandowski signed for the club.
However, poor air quality conditions in Chicago have led to the fixture being postponed until October 6.
“The decision was made with the health and safety of fans, players, staff, and all event personnel as the top priority,” the club said.
“The club reached the decision in close consultation with local health experts, Major League Soccer, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and the City of Chicago.”
According to the BBC, there are over 800 wildfires burning in Canada and smoke has spread across the border into the USA.
The air quality index (AQI) for Chicago has hit 402, which sits in the highest bracket of ‘hazardous’ as per IGAir.
A minimum of 301 US AQI is needed to hit the bracket, which means a high risk to the general public and sensitive groups.
People are also told to stay indoors and are warned against exercising.
Lewandowski lands stateside
Poland narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification, but Lewandowski still travelled to America for his next chapter.
The 37-year-old has arrived in MLS after a legendary stint in Europe at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
With 567 goals and 139 assists in 755 appearances across his stints at the three clubs, Lewandowski excelled at the highest level of football.
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Lewandowski won 13 league titles and the Champions League during his stay on the continent.
He is also the leading appearance maker and goalscorer for Poland on 167 and 89 each, and another big arrival for US football.
The striker is arguably the biggest acquisition for an MLS team since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023.
Lewandowski has joined a Chicago side who are third in the Eastern Conference with 26 points after 14 matches.
Should they finish seventh or above, they will qualify for round one of the MLS Cup play-offs.
Chicago are scheduled to return to action on July 23 to face Inter Miami, which looks set to be Lewandowski’s debut.
