JAKARTA - Swiss National Team (Timnas) striker Breel Embolo, delayed his flight to the United States (US) for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, because his travel documents are being reviewed.
"Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team," the Swiss Football Federation said, adding that his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was no longer approved.
The Swiss national team is scheduled to fly from Zurich around noon local time on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, to Los Angeles before attending the 2026 World Cup training camp in San Diego.
This is the third World Cup in which Embolo will be Switzerland's first-choice striker, having scored 24 goals in 86 international matches.
"However, at 10.30 am, we were informed that his ESTA application had been placed in further review," the Swiss Football Federation said without giving further explanation.
It is unclear why the US has concerns about Embolo, who has previously had problems with authorities in Germany and Switzerland related to the COvid-19 pandemic.
He was disciplined in 2021 by his then-club Borussia Monchengladbach for attending a party with friends during the lockdown. In 2024, he was linked to a criminal case in Basel for buying a fake test certificate in 2021.
However, Embolo did travel to the US a year ago with the Swiss national team for a friendly match against the hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico and the US. During the short tour, Switzerland beat Mexico 4-2 in Salt Lake City and beat the US 4-0 in Nashville.
The Swiss Football Federation said it was in contact with the authorities and hoped Breel would join the team or travel tomorrow and join the squad.
Meanwhile, Switzerland seems to be favored to qualify from the 2026 World Cup group stage which also includes co-hosts Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Qatar.
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