Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was unable to travel to the United States with his national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his travel authorization was unexpectedly placed under review by U.S. authorities.
The 29-year-old striker was due to fly with the Swiss squad from Zurich to Los Angeles on Tuesday before joining the team’s training camp in San Diego. However, the Swiss Football Association said Embolo’s ESTA authorization, which allows visa-free travel to the U.S., was flagged for further review shortly before departure.
According to Swiss media, the review is linked to a court ruling that became final after Embolo was convicted in 2023 of making threats during an altercation dating back to 2018. He received a suspended fine and later chose not to pursue further appeals.
The Swiss federation said it remains in contact with the relevant authorities and expects the issue to be resolved quickly, allowing Embolo to join the squad within days. The striker had previously entered the United States without difficulty for international matches in 2025.
Embolo is a key player for Switzerland, having scored 23 goals in 85 international appearances and represented the country at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Switzerland will begin its World Cup campaign in Group B against Canada before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar.
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