World Cup 2026: Switzerland journey to US with out Breel Embolo over Esta difficulty

Switzerland’s World Cup squad travelled to the United States with out Breel Embolo on Tuesday after the ahead’s Esta authorisation was positioned below evaluate.

The evaluate of Embolo’s Esta – an automatic system that determines if a global customer is eligible to enter the US and not using a conventional visa – pertains to a Swiss court docket ruling about an altercation Embolo was concerned in in Basel in 2018.

The 29-year-old, who has scored 23 targets in 85 video games for his nation and performed within the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, was convicted in 2023 of constructing a number of threats and handed a suspended high quality.

After the decision was upheld on enchantment, Swiss media reported in April that the Stade Rennais attacker had determined to not take the case to the Federal Court, making the judgement closing.

“Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team,” the Swiss federation mentioned in a press release.

“His Esta authorisation had been approved until this morning. However, at 10:30am, we were informed that his Esta application had been placed under further review.

“We are at present involved with the related authorities and anticipate that Breel will both be a part of the group later right this moment or journey tomorrow and be a part of the squad then.”

Embolo was allowed to enter the US in June 2025 for friendly matches against Mexico and the US.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Swiss national team Instagram account published a photo of the players on the plane with the caption: “One seat empty, however not for lengthy. See you quickly Breel Embolo.”

Switzerland, whose World Cup base is in San Diego, will start their group stage marketing campaign on June 13 in opposition to Qatar in Santa Clara, earlier than dealing with Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood and co-hosts Canada in Vancouver.