Robert Lewandowski's long-awaited Major League Soccer debut has been postponed after poor air quality caused by Canadian wildfires forced the Chicago Fire's home match against the Vancouver Whitecaps to be called off.
Smoke from wildfires sweeping through Ontario spread across parts of the United States on Thursday, with Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan among the states most affected by hazardous air quality.
Chicago Fire confirmed that the fixture at Soldier Field has been rescheduled for October 6 following consultations with local health experts, Major League Soccer, the Vancouver Whitecaps and the City of Chicago.
"The decision to reschedule the match was reached in close consultation with local health experts, MLS, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and the City of Chicago," the club said in a statement.
Around 40,000 supporters had been expected at Soldier Field for the fixture, which formed part of MLS's return following the World Cup break.
Lewandowski, who joined Chicago Fire from Barcelona after helping the Spanish club win the LaLiga title last month, had been set to make his MLS debut in a highly anticipated meeting with former Bayern Munich teammate Thomas Müller.
The Poland captain is now expected to make his first MLS appearance next Wednesday against Inter Miami, although Lionel Messi is not expected to feature as he prepares for Sunday's FIFA World Cup final.
Illinois was among the states hardest hit by smoke from the Ontario wildfires, with air quality deteriorating significantly across the region.
The haze also reached the New York City area, where Argentina and Spain are scheduled to contest the World Cup final on Sunday. Authorities in New York warned that fine particulate matter in the air had reached levels considered unhealthy for outdoor activities.
