A final vote on the subsidy that will make it possible for a new $750 million Chicago Fire stadium to be built south of the Loop is set for Wednesday.

It’s become one of the enduring scenes of the U.S. team during this World Cup: jubilant U.S. players joining tens of thousands of fans in singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

The monthlong tournament marks the first men’s World Cup hosted in North America since 1994. It also comes as the sport enjoys greater popularity in the United States ahead of another major stretch of international competitions like the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The Argentina captain, who many consider the greatest player of all time, scored two more World Cup goals on Monday in his team’s 2-0 victory over Austria.

Residents said the rapid construction is destroying local infrastructure, severing the very pipelines that communities depend on for daily life. For many, the disruptions have come with little warning and even less explanation.

With the FIFA Men’s World Cup kicking off later this week, immigration rights groups in Chicago are demanding the Trump administration end what they describe as “discriminatory restrictions” that are preventing soccer teams and fans from fully participating in events.

The Chicago Fire broke ground on a new stadium development site Tuesday at The 78 in Chicago’s 3rd Ward. The stadium is expected to open before the 2028 Major League Soccer season following a $750 million private investment from the club’s owner, Joe Mansueto.

The friendly match was supposed to be played on Oct. 13 at Soldier Field in Chicago but will be moved to Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, the home stadium of Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi.

The stadium is set to hold 22,000 fans and is expected to break ground in early 2026 with hopes of it being ready in time for the 2028 season.

The Chicago Stars will play at the Evanston stadium on Sept. 7 for their “Lakefront Faceoff’ match against the Orlando Pride before moving to the stadium for the entire season in 2026.

Two weeks after announcing a plan to build a privately funded $650 million stadium on the South Branch of the Chicago River, the Chicago Fire has released new renderings of the proposed arena.

President Donald Trump’s latest travel ban on citizens from 12 countries added new questions about the impact on the World Cup and the Summer Olympics, which depend on hosts opening their doors to the world.

Team owner Joe Mansueto will personally pay for the stadium, it was announced. Groundbreaking could take place in late 2025 with the stadium ready for play by the 2028 season.

The Chicago Stars FC will be under new legal obligations as part of a groundbreaking settlement that requires the National Women’s Soccer League to create a $5 million restitution fund after substantiated claims of mistreatment and abuse.

Chicago Stars FC will continue to use the Red Stars name and crest for the remainder of the season before fully transitioning to the new brand at the start of the 2025 season.

The Colorado native has signed with the Chicago Red Stars through 2028. The contract is worth $2 million on a four-year deal with a fifth-year option, according to reports.