News Focus
- Breel Embolo receives US travel permit after ESTA authorisation review
- Stade Rennais striker missed Tuesday’s squad departure due to visa check
- Delay connected to 2023 conviction for threats made during 2018 Basel incident
- 29-year-old set to join Swiss camp in San Diego on Friday evening
- Switzerland face Qatar, Bosnia and Canada in Group B at 2026 World Cup
Switzerland forward Breel Embolo can now travel to the United States to prepare for the 2026 World Cup. The striker has won his appeal to enter the country after immigration officials approved his visa request.
The 29-year-old did not fly with his team-mates on Tuesday. His ESTA permit – the electronic system that allows visitors to enter the US without a normal visa – was under review.
The Swiss Football Federation confirmed the good news on Thursday. “We have just learned that Breel Embolo’s visa has been approved,” they said. “He will travel to the United States and should meet the squad on Friday night.”
The visa problem related to a court case from 2018. Embolo was involved in an argument in Basel. In 2023, a court found him guilty of making threats. He received a suspended fine. He lost an appeal against this decision in April.
Embolo visited the US Embassy in Bern on Wednesday. Staff there processed his application before giving final approval.
The Monaco-born player has scored 23 goals in 85 games for Switzerland. He played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He currently plays for Stade Rennais in France.
The Swiss team will train in San Diego. Their first World Cup match is against Qatar on 13 June in Santa Clara. They then play Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 June in Inglewood. Their final group game is against Canada on 24 June in Vancouver.