Switzerland's Breel Embolo Waits for Clearance to Travel to United States After Visa Submission

Embolo missed the team's departure for California on Tuesday after his ESTA travel authorisation was placed under additional review only hours before the squad boarded their flight to Los Angeles.

"The Embassy has informed us that they are processing the application as a priority," the federation said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Breel and the team are now waiting for approval so that he can travel to San Diego and join the squad as soon as possible."

The issue stems from a legal case arising from a 2018 altercation in Basel. The Rennes forward was found guilty in 2023 of making multiple threats and received a suspended fine, a verdict that was later upheld on appeal.

The federation said that U.S. authorities had requested court documents related to the case after learning that the judgment had become final and legally binding earlier this year.

"The Embassy's enquiries focused specifically on whether any physical violence had been involved. This was not the case," the federation added.

According to the Swiss federation, all ESTA applications, including Embolo's, had initially been marked as approved before U.S. authorities requested further checks about two and a half hours before departure.

"The Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws," Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Lauren Bis told Reuters.

"Under the Visa Waiver Program, all ESTA applications are continuously screened against law enforcement and security databases. Travelers must provide complete and truthful information, including all criminal history.

"Failure to disclose arrests or convictions constitutes misrepresentation and can lead to ESTA denial, revocation, or a permanent bar from entering the United States. An approved ESTA does not guarantee admission. Individuals ineligible for the VWP due to criminal convictions or misrepresentation must apply for a visa."

A Swiss team spokesperson told Reuters on Tuesday that Embolo had previously travelled to the United States with the national team in June 2025 for matches against Mexico and the United States without any issues.

Switzerland are in World Cup Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Bosnia and Qatar. They open their campaign against Qatar on June 13 in San Francisco.