Breel Embolo faces United States visa wait as Switzerland forward’s World Cup travel hangs in balance

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo is still waiting for clearance to enter the United States after a visa application appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Bern on Wednesday, leaving his World Cup preparations in uncertainty.

The 28-year-old Rennes striker was absent when the Swiss national team flew to California on Tuesday, after his ESTA travel authorisation was suddenly placed under additional review just hours before departure to Los Angeles.

The Swiss Football Association confirmed that discussions with U.S. authorities are ongoing and that the process has been treated with urgency. “The Embassy informed us that the application is being processed as a priority,” the federation said in a statement.

It added that Embolo remains in close contact with team officials as he awaits a decision that would allow him to travel onward and join his teammates in San Diego.

“Breel and the team are now awaiting approval so that he can travel to San Diego and join the squad as soon as possible.”

ESTA approval revoked hours before departure

According to the Swiss federation, Embolo’s travel authorisation had initially been cleared like those of his teammates. However, the situation changed abruptly shortly before departure when U.S. authorities flagged his application for further checks.

Officials reviewed the case around two and a half hours before the squad’s flight to Los Angeles, forcing a last-minute delay to his travel arrangements.

The unexpected review has created disruption for Switzerland’s World Cup preparations, with the forward now racing against time to rejoin the squad during their training camp in the United States.

Legal background behind the review

The delay is linked to a legal case stemming from a 2018 incident in Basel. Embolo, who now plays for Rennes, was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and received a suspended fine, a ruling later upheld on appeal.

The Swiss federation said U.S. authorities requested documentation relating to the case after learning that the judgement had become final and legally binding earlier this year.

Officials also clarified the nature of the inquiries. “The Embassy’s inquiries focused specifically on whether any physical violence had been involved. This was not the case,” the federation noted.

U.S. authorities highlight strict vetting rules

The situation comes amid strict enforcement of travel rules under the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, which includes continuous security screening of ESTA applicants.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said: “The Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws,” adding that travellers must disclose all relevant legal history when applying.

The official also warned that failure to provide full information could result in denial or revocation of travel authorisation. “Failure to disclose arrests or convictions constitutes misrepresentation and can lead to ESTA denial, revocation, or a permanent bar,” the statement said.

Switzerland hopeful as tournament clock ticks

Despite the administrative setback, Swiss officials remain optimistic that Embolo will receive clearance in time to rejoin the squad before their next phase of preparations.

A team spokesperson noted that the forward had previously travelled to the United States without incident, including during international fixtures in June 2025 against Mexico and the United States.

Switzerland are preparing for the upcoming World Cup where they have been drawn in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Bosnia and Qatar. They begin their campaign against Qatar on June 13 in San Francisco, a fixture Embolo will be keen not to miss as the visa process continues to unfold.