Swiss striker Embolo will not travel with the selection after documents were placed for review

Swiss striker Breel Embolo did not travel to the US with the World Cup selection. Tuesday after his ESTA authorization was reviewed, the Swiss federation said.

Embolo’s issue comes after a Swiss court ruling related to an altercation in Basel in 2018 became final nine months ago.

The Stade Rennais striker was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and given a suspended fine, a sentence that was upheld on appeal after judges rejected his account of the incident. Swiss media reported in April that Embolo had decided not to refer the case to the Federal Court, making the verdict final.

“Unfortunately, Breel Embolo cannot travel to the United States with the team at this time,” the Swiss federation said in a statement.

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

“We are currently in contact with the relevant authorities and expect Breel to join the team later today or travel tomorrow to join the squad.”

A spokesman for the team, which boarded a plane to Los Angeles, told Reuters that Switzerland had previously traveled to the US to play Mexico and the US in June 2025 and that Embolo had been allowed into the country.

Switzerland is in World Cup Group B with co-hosts Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar. The opening game is on June 12 in Toronto against Canada.

Published on June 2, 2026