Switzerland international Breel Embolo is currently stranded in his home country, awaiting clearance to travel to the United States after a last-minute Esta complication prevented him from joining his teammates for their pre-World Cup training camp.
The forward attended an appointment at the US Embassy in Bern on Wednesday to submit a visa application, the Swiss football federation confirmed.
Embolo was forced to miss the squad’s departure to California on Tuesday after his Esta travel authorisation was unexpectedly placed under further review just hours before the team boarded their flight to Los Angeles.
The issue stems from a legal case dating back to a 2018 altercation in Basel, which led to the Stade Rennais striker’s 2023 conviction for making multiple threats and a suspended fine. This verdict was later upheld on appeal and became legally binding earlier this year.
The Swiss federation stated that the embassy had assured them the application was being processed as a priority.
“The Embassy informed us that the application is being processed as a priority,” the federation said. “Breel and the team are now awaiting approval so that he can travel to San Diego and join the squad as soon as possible.”
They added that US authorities had specifically inquired whether any physical violence was involved in the case, clarifying: “This was not the case.”
According to the federation, all Esta applications, including Embolo’s, were initially approved before US authorities requested additional checks approximately two and a half hours prior to departure.
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Lauren Bis commented on the broader context, telling Reuters: “The Trump administration is enforcing immigration laws.”
She further explained: “Under the Visa Waiver Program, all Esta applications are continuously vetted 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 noted 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 encountering any issues.
Switzerland are set to compete in World Cup Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Bosnia, and Qatar, with their opening match against Qatar scheduled for June 13 in San Francisco.
