World Cup: Embolo prevented from traveling to the U.S. with Swiss national team

A last-minute hitch has disrupted the Swiss national team's departure for the World Cup, as striker Breel Embolo was unable to travel with his teammates to the United States. The experienced forward missed his flight from Zurich due to an issue with his travel documents, creating uncertainty about when he will be able to join the squad.

According to Swiss reports, Embolo's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was initially approved on Tuesday morning. However, shortly before the team's departure, U.S. authorities requested a review of his case, preventing the 29-year-old striker from boarding the plane. This incident caused surprise, as Embolo had previously traveled to the U.S. without issue in 2025 for friendly matches against Mexico and the U.S., even scoring in those games.

Information suggests the complication may be related to a recent legal development concerning an older case involving the player. The case reportedly began in 2018, with a final verdict issued in April, where the international forward was convicted of threats. The exact nature of the ESTA issue remains unclear, but it appears to be linked to this legal background.

Currently, there is no clear timeline for resolving the situation. The Swiss Football Association is awaiting further developments, while Embolo remains in limbo, hoping for a swift resolution that will allow him to travel and join his team. The uncertainty surrounding his entry into the U.S. casts a shadow over his participation in the upcoming World Cup.