Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was left out of the squad's flight to the United States this week after his ESTA application was placed under further review by US authorities, casting serious doubt over his participation at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

An ESTA — Electronic System for Travel Authorisation — is an automated pre-screening tool used by the US government to assess whether a traveller is eligible to enter the country without a full visa. Embolo's clearance had been approved until the morning of the team's departure, but the Swiss Football Association confirmed it was pulled back at 10:30am.

In a statement, the Swiss national team said: "Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team. His ESTA authorisation had been approved until this morning. However, at 10:30am, we were informed that his ESTA application had been placed under further review."

A conviction from 2018

The complication traces back to an incident in Basel in 2018, when Embolo was involved in an altercation and charged with making multiple threats. He was found guilty in 2023 and received a suspended fine. At the time, the conviction appeared to have no bearing on his football career or international travel.

Notably, Embolo had no difficulty entering the US just 12 months ago, when Switzerland played friendly matches against the USMNT and Mexico. The conviction did not surface as an obstacle until the morning of the squad's scheduled departure this week.

Switzerland hopeful of resolution

The Swiss federation confirmed it is in contact with the relevant US authorities and remains hopeful that Embolo will be cleared to travel and rejoin the squad within the coming days. Whether he will be available for Switzerland's World Cup warm-up friendly against Australia on Saturday remains uncertain.

Embolo, 29, is one of Switzerland's most experienced forwards, having earned 85 caps for Die Nati and featured at two previous World Cups. His absence would be a significant blow for a side that will be based in San Diego, California, with two of their three Group B matches scheduled in the state. Their final group fixture takes place in Vancouver, Canada.

Switzerland face co-hosts Canada, Qatar, and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B.