The Polish scoring legend trained with his new teammates and addressed the Chicago media Tuesday, with a possible MLS debut only days away.
CHICAGO — Robert Lewandowski’s highly anticipated American chapter officially began Tuesday as Chicago Fire FC introduced the Polish superstar during a press conference at the club’s Endeavor Health Performance Center.
The July 14 presentation marked Lewandowski’s first major media appearance as a Fire player. The 37-year-old forward also participated in his first training session with the team as Chicago prepared to resume its Major League Soccer schedule following the FIFA World Cup break.
LIVE: Chicago Fire FC Pre-Match Media Availability https://t.co/1aNUJKoXOr
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) July 14, 2026
Chicago originally announced the signing on June 29, acquiring Lewandowski as a Designated Player following the conclusion of his time with FC Barcelona. His contract runs through the 2027-28 MLS season.
Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Lewandowski described his move to the United States as a new challenge for both himself and his family. He explained that after leaving Barcelona, he did not envision continuing his career with another European club.
Instead, Chicago offered him an opportunity to compete in a growing league while helping a club with championship ambitions.
Lewandowski also said he spoke with former Bayern Munich teammates Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Müller before making his decision. Schweinsteiger spent three seasons with the Fire, while Müller currently plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Polish forward made his expectations clear: He came to Chicago to score goals, compete for trophies and contribute both on and off the field.
Chicago head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter previously described Lewandowski as “a champion and a competitor,” saying his arrival raises the standards and ambitions of the entire organization.
A possible debut at Soldier Field
Lewandowski could make his Fire debut almost immediately.
Chicago’s first match following the World Cup break is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, at 7:30 p.m. CT, when the Fire host the Vancouver Whitecaps at Soldier Field. The club is officially promoting the match as Lewandowski’s potential MLS debut, although his availability and role have not yet been confirmed.
Lewandowski indicated that he expects to be considered for the matchday squad, but the final decision will depend on his fitness and how he responds to training with his new teammates.
If he appears, his first MLS match could include a reunion with Müller, his longtime Bayern teammate.
The matchup also carries significant importance for Chicago. According to MLS, the Fire entered the World Cup break third in the Eastern Conference with 26 points and are pursuing a second consecutive playoff appearance.
One of soccer’s most accomplished strikers
Lewandowski arrives in Chicago with more than 700 goals for club and country.
His European career included successful runs with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. He won the UEFA Champions League with Bayern, collected league championships in Germany and Spain and twice received The Best FIFA Men’s Player award.
For Poland, Lewandowski has scored a national-record 89 goals in 167 appearances and has served as the national team’s captain since 2013.
Chicago now hopes that experience can help transform an improving MLS team into a championship contender.
The Fire already feature one of the league’s most productive forwards in Hugo Cuypers, along with attacking players such as Jonathan Bamba and Philip Zinckernagel. Adding Lewandowski gives Berhalter another elite option and creates one of the most closely watched attacking groups in MLS.
His arrival also gives Chicago a new global spotlight at a pivotal time for the organization. The club is competing near the top of the Eastern Conference while preparing for the scheduled 2028 opening of its new soccer-specific stadium, McDonald’s Park, in the South Loop.
For now, the attention turns to Soldier Field—and the possibility that one of the greatest strikers of his generation could make his American debut in front of a Chicago crowd Thursday night.
