Switzerland’s World Cup squad departed for the United States on Tuesday without forward Breel Embolo after his Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) was subjected to additional review.
Embolo’s travel setback is linked to a 2023 ruling by a Swiss court over a 2018 incident in Basel in which the striker was involved in a confrontation. The 29-year-old was found guilty of issuing multiple threats and handed a suspended fine.
Following an appeal that upheld the ruling, Swiss media reported in April that the Rennes forward opted not to take the matter to the Federal Court, effectively making the conviction final.
Confirming the development, the Swiss Football Federation expressed optimism that the striker would still be able to join the squad shortly.
“Unfortunately, Breel Embolo cannot currently travel with the team to the U.S.,” the federation said in a statement.
“His ESTA had been approved until this morning, but at 10:30am we were informed that it had been placed under further review. We are in contact with the relevant authorities and expect Breel to join the team later today or tomorrow.”
The development comes despite Embolo having previously travelled to the United States without incident, most recently in June 2025 for international friendlies against Mexico and the United States.
Switzerland’s official Instagram account also acknowledged the striker’s absence, posting a photograph of the squad aboard their flight alongside the message: “One seat left empty — but not for long. See you soon, Breel Embolo.”
The Swiss team will be based in San Diego during the tournament and begin their group-stage campaign on 13 June against Qatar in Santa Clara. They are also scheduled to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood before taking on co-hosts Canada in Vancouver.
Swiss officials remain hopeful that the visa issue will be resolved quickly, allowing Embolo to link up with the squad ahead of their opening fixture.
