Robert Lewandowski to debut with Chicago Fire in July
Polish striker Robert Lewandowski has left FC Barcelona and signed with Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire on a free transfer after his contract expired on 30 June 2026. The club will officially present him on 14 July, with his first training scheduled for the same day. Coach Gregg Berhalter said, “Robert jest wzorowym profesjonalistą,” and expects Lewandowski to be available for two‑thirds of the remaining MLS matches. His competitive debut is slated for 17 July against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Lewandowski’s move also involves a family relocation. His wife, former athlete and entrepreneur Anna Lewandowska, expressed anxiety about the children’s adjustment, saying, “Martwię się o dziewczynki i ich emocje, o nową szkołę, o to, jak odnajdą się w zupełnie nowym świecie.” The family plans to fly to Chicago in mid‑July, with Anna and the daughters joining a month later.
The transfer is being billed as one of the biggest signings in MLS history, aimed at boosting Chicago Fire’s performance and raising the league’s profile ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which creates a scheduling pause in the MLS calendar.