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Wildfire Smoke Forces MLB Schedule Change, MLS Match Postponement in U.S.

Poor air quality from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota has prompted schedule adjustments for U.S. sports: an MLB game's start time moved, and an MLS match postponed.

Editorial Desk

July 17, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Philadelphia, U.S. — Elevated air quality concerns stemming from widespread wildfire smoke prompted changes to professional sports schedules in the United States this week.

The start time for the Major League Baseball (MLB) game between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies in Philadelphia on Thursday was advanced by one hour. The adjustment was made due to air quality conditions linked to smoke originating from wildfires in Canada and northern Minnesota.

Separately, a Major League Soccer (MLS) match scheduled in Chicago between the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Chicago Fire FC was postponed for the same air quality considerations.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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