Switzerland World Cup squad departs for US without Embolo over ESTA review
The Swiss Football Federation confirms Breel Embolo was unable to board the team charter on Tuesday as his Electronic System for Travel Authorisation application undergoes further review.
Switzerland’s World Cup squad departed for the United States on Tuesday without forward Breel Embolo, following the suspension of his travel authorisation. The Swiss Football Federation confirmed that Embolo’s Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) application was placed under further review at 10:30 am on the day of departure.
The review relates to a 2023 Swiss court conviction for making multiple threats, which resulted in a suspended fine. The conviction stems from an altercation in Basel in 2018; the verdict was upheld on appeal, and Embolo decided not to take the case to the Federal Court, making the judgement final.
“Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team,” the Swiss federation said in a statement. “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.”
Embolo, 29, has scored 23 goals in 85 caps for Switzerland and played in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He had previously been allowed to enter the US in June 2025 for friendly matches against Mexico and the US. The federation stated that Embolo was expected to join the team later that day or travel the following day.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Swiss national team posted a photo on Instagram showing an empty seat on the plane, captioned: “One seat empty, but not for long. See you soon Breel Embolo.” The federation added that it was in contact with relevant authorities regarding the delay.
Switzerland’s World Cup base is in San Diego; they begin their group stage campaign on June 13 against Qatar in Santa Clara, followed by matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood and co-hosts Canada in Vancouver.
