Switzerland forward Breel Embolo has received approval for his Esta authorisation and will travel to the United States to link up with the Swiss squad ahead of their 2026 World Cup preparations.

Embolo was left behind when his teammates departed for the US on Tuesday after his Esta application — an automated entry-clearance system for visitors who do not require a traditional visa — was placed under review. He attended a scheduled appointment at the US Embassy in Bern on Wednesday before confirmation of his clearance arrived.

The Switzerland football federation confirmed the development in an official statement:

"We have just been informed that Breel Embolo's visa has been approved. He will therefore be able to travel to the United States. He is expected to join the team on Friday evening."

Court ruling behind the delay

The review of Embolo's Esta stemmed from a Swiss court ruling connected to an altercation in Basel in 2018. The 29-year-old was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and received a suspended fine.

Following an unsuccessful appeal, Swiss media reported in April that the Stade Rennais forward had opted not to escalate the matter to the Federal Court, rendering the verdict final.

Switzerland's World Cup campaign

Embolo — who has scored 23 goals in 85 appearances for Switzerland and featured at both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups — will be an important presence as the squad prepares for their opening Group B fixture against Qatar on 13 June in Santa Clara.

Switzerland are basing themselves in San Diego for the tournament, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Their remaining group-stage matches pit them against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood on 18 June, and co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on 24 June.