Switzerland striker Breel Embolo has been given the green light to join his national team in the United States, following a last-minute visa approval that delayed his World Cup journey.
Embolo, 29, was forced to miss the team’s flight to California on Tuesday when his ESTA travel authorization was unexpectedly placed under review. While his teammates headed to their San Diego training camp, Embolo stayed behind in Switzerland awaiting clearance.
The Swiss Football Federation announced on Thursday that Embolo’s visa had finally been approved. He is now expected to join the squad in the U.S. on Friday evening.
The delay stemmed from an additional review by American authorities, who requested documents related to a 2018 legal case involving Embolo in Basel. The matter became relevant after a 2023 conviction for making multiple threats—which resulted in a suspended fine—was made legally binding earlier this year.
With the paperwork now resolved, Embolo is set to reunite with his teammates and prepare for Switzerland’s World Cup campaign.
