Zurich: Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was stopped from travelling with the national team to the United States on Tuesday after his U.S. travel authorisation was unexpectedly placed under further review, creating an unwanted distraction just days before the 2026 World Cup.
The Swiss Football Federation said Embolo’s ESTA authorisation had already been approved, but the situation changed on the morning of departure. At 10:30 a.m., officials were informed that his application had been placed under additional review, meaning he could not board the team flight.
“Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team,” the federation said, while adding that it remained in contact with the relevant authorities. Swiss officials still expect the forward to join the squad either later Tuesday or on Wednesday, assuming the review is cleared quickly.
The issue is reportedly linked to a legal case in Switzerland dating back to a 2018 altercation in Basel. Embolo was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and received a suspended fine. His appeal was unsuccessful, and the judgment became final after he chose not to take the matter to Switzerland’s Federal Court.
For Switzerland, the timing is far from ideal. Embolo is one of the most experienced attacking players in Murat Yakin’s 26-man World Cup squad, which also includes senior figures such as Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez and Gregor Kobel. FIFA confirmed Embolo’s inclusion when Switzerland announced their tournament squad last month.
There is no suggestion at this stage that Embolo has been removed from the squad or ruled out of the tournament. Quite the opposite, really. The Swiss federation’s tone suggests it sees the matter as a travel-documentation setback rather than a sporting crisis, though these things can become stressful very quickly when a World Cup is involved.
Embolo had previously travelled to the United States with Switzerland in 2025 without facing the same issue, which makes the late review more frustrating for the player and the team. Reuters reported that Switzerland are still hopeful he will be able to rejoin the group shortly.
Switzerland begin their World Cup campaign on June 12, 2026, against co-hosts Canada in Toronto. That gives Embolo some breathing room, but not much. Tournament preparation is built around rhythm: travel, training, team meetings, tactical work, recovery. Missing even a day or two can disturb that routine, especially for a forward expected to play a major role.
The 29-year-old recently scored for Switzerland in a friendly against Jordan, a useful reminder of why Yakin wants him available as soon as possible. Embolo brings power, movement and big-tournament experience — qualities Switzerland will need in a group-stage campaign where the margins could be thin.
For now, Switzerland wait. Embolo’s World Cup has not been derailed, but it has certainly started with a complication nobody in the Swiss camp wanted.
