Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was ready to fly to the United States with his national team on Tuesday, but his travel plans suddenly changed just hours before departure. The Swiss Football Association confirmed that Embolo could not board the flight after his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was placed under further review by US authorities. The Switzerland squad was scheduled to leave Zurich and travel to Los Angeles before heading to a training camp in San Diego ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the rest of the team continued with its plans, Breel Embolo was forced to stay behind because his travel clearance was no longer approved.
The Swiss Football Association said the issue came to light shortly before the team’s departure. In a statement, the federation explained: “Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team.” The federation added: “However, at 10:30 am, we were informed that his ESTA application had been placed under further review.”
Breel Embolo waits for clearance as Switzerland hopes striker joins World Cup camp
Swiss officials said they are working closely with the relevant authorities and remain hopeful that the situation will be resolved quickly. The federation stated: “We are in contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Breel will either join the team later today (Tuesday) or travel tomorrow and join the squad then.”
No official reason has been given for the review of Embolo’s travel documents. US authorities have not publicly explained why the Switzerland forward’s ESTA was flagged.
Earlier this year, Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup Task Force, spoke to the Daily Mail about the screening process for teams traveling to the tournament. He said: “Obviously all these countries, we do security vets on players, coaches, support staff around the team.”
Giuliani also added: “And they need to clear those security vets as well - each visa decision is a national security decision. We want to make sure, first and foremost, that it’s a safe event. That will make it successful.”
Breel Embolo has previously faced a few legal and disciplinary issues. In 2021, while playing for Borussia Monchengladbach, he was disciplined after attending a gathering during COVID-19 restrictions. German media reports at the time claimed he hid in a bathtub when police arrived at the location.
In 2023, a Swiss court fined him over threats linked to a street incident that happened in 2018. Then in 2024, his name appeared in reports connected to an investigation involving forged COVID-19 test certificates, although details of that case remained limited.
Despite the current delay, Embolo remains a key player for Switzerland. The 29-year-old has scored 24 goals in 86 international appearances and is expected to lead the attack during his third World Cup campaign. Switzerland has been drawn alongside Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar in the group stage.
According to the Swiss Football Association and reporting from the Daily Mail, officials expect a decision soon and still believe Breel Embolo will join his teammates in the United States before preparations continue.
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Purple CapSehjal Gupta is a sports journalist covering US and international...
Read MoreSehjal Gupta is a sports journalist covering US and international sports, with a specialization in the NFL. She has been writing about sports since 2025, reporting on leagues, tournaments, and athletes who shape the game. A Master’s in Management adds depth to her analysis, while her love for Hollywood movies and pop culture sparks her storytelling voice, a flair that also shapes her entertainment writing, giving it the same energy and creativity she brings to sports.
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