SAN DIEGO — Switzerland's World Cup squad traveled to the United States without Breel Embolo on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Embolo's ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was placed under review at 10:30 a.m. that morning, preventing him from boarding the team flight.
"Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team," the Swiss football federation said in a statement. "His ESTA authorisation had been approved until this morning. However, at 10:30 a.m., we were informed that his ESTA application had been placed under further review."
The review relates to a Swiss court ruling stemming from an altercation Embolo was involved in in Basel in 2018. In 2023, Embolo was convicted of making multiple threats and received a suspended fine, according to court filings. The verdict was upheld on appeal, and Embolo opted not to pursue the case further at the Swiss Federal Court, rendering the judgment final.
Despite the setback, the Swiss federation expressed optimism about Embolo joining the squad shortly. "We are currently in contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Breel will either join the team later today or travel tomorrow and join the squad then," a spokesperson said.
Embolo had previously been allowed to enter the U.S. in June 2025 for friendly matches against Mexico and the United States. Switzerland’s World Cup base is in San Diego. Embolo has scored 23 goals in 85 appearances for Switzerland and participated in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
The team’s official Instagram account posted a photo of players aboard the plane with the caption: "One seat empty, but not for long. See you soon Breel Embolo."