Switzerland star blocked from entering United States for World Cup

Switzerland have been dealt a blow ahead of the World Cup 2026 after striker Breel Embolo was refused entry to the United States.

This summer’s tournament is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the US, with Switzerland playing their first two group games in the latter country.

AFP

The Swiss squad left for Los Angeles on Tuesday without Embolo, who was unable to board the flight as his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the system which determines someone’s eligibility to enter the US) status was placed under review.

It stems from a 2023 conviction received by the Rennes player, who was found guilty of making multiple threats and given a suspended fine following an altercation back in 2018.

Embolo, who has scored 23 goals in 85 caps for Switzerland, ultimately appealed the conviction to no avail.

The Swiss Football Association explained the situation in a statement. 

“Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the ‌team,” it read.

“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.”

Switzerland, though, are hopeful that Embolo will be able to link up with the rest of the squad for the World Cup.

They added: “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.”

Born in Cameroon but spending most of his childhood in Switzerland, Embolo has represented the country since Under-16 level.

The former Basel and Monaco man went to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, scoring twice at the latter – including the winning goal against Cameroon – making him only the second player in World Cup history to find the net against their country of birth.

Getty

Embolo has also appeared at Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, having made his senior debut for Switzerland in 2015.

The 29-year-old opened the scoring from the penalty spot in Switzerland’s latest friendly, a 4-1 victory over World Cup newcomers Jordan in St. Gallen on Sunday.

Switzerland will hope to have Embolo involved for their World Cup Group B opener against Qatar in San Francisco on June 13.

Murat Yakin’s side then face Bosnia and Herzegovina in LA before taking on co-hosts Canada in Vancouver.

The Swiss have reached the first knockout round at each of the last three World Cups, but were thrashed 6-1 by Portugal in the last 16 four years ago.

They have reached the quarter-finals three times, although the most recent of those occasions came way back in 1954 when they hosted the tournament.