2026 World Cup: Swiss national team star unexpectedly unable to travel to the US

The Swiss Football Federation’s statement emphasized: “Unfortunately, Embolo cannot currently travel to the US with the team. His ESTA authorization had been approved until this morning. However, at 10:30 AM (local time), we were informed that his ESTA application is undergoing further review. We are now in contact with the relevant authorities and hope that Embolo will join the team later today or depart tomorrow.”

Over the years, Embolo has been regarded as a key forward for the Swiss national team thanks to his experience playing in several top European leagues, but off the pitch he has also faced considerable trouble. The 29-year-old, who has scored 23 goals in 85 appearances for his country and participated in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, was convicted in 2023 of multiple threats and received a suspended fine. After the verdict was upheld on appeal, Swiss media reported in April 2026 that the striker, currently playing for Stade Rennais, had decided not to take the case to the Federal Court, making the ruling final. In 2025, Embolo was allowed to enter the US for friendly matches against Mexico and the US.

As they prepare for the upcoming major football tournament, Switzerland will be based at a training facility in San Diego and begin their group stage campaign on June 13 against Qatar in Santa Clara, before facing Bosnia & Herzegovina in Inglewood and co-host Canada in Vancouver. In photos posted on Instagram, the players also mentioned Embolo and jokingly took a picture of his empty seat on the plane.