World Cup: Switzerland’s Breel Embolo awaits US clearance after visa submission

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo is racing to get a US visa after complications stemming from a previous criminal conviction prevented him from traveling with the national team to the World Cup.

Embolo attended a meeting at the US Embassy in Bern on Wednesday after his ESTA travel authorization was reviewed shortly before the Swiss team flew to California on Tuesday. The Swiss Football Federation (SFV) said US authorities were treating his visa application as a priority.

“The embassy has informed us that the request is being processed as a matter of priority,” the federation said. “Breel and the team are now awaiting approval to travel to San Diego and join the team as soon as possible.”

The case relates to an altercation in Basel in 2018. Embolo was convicted of multiple threats and given a suspended fine, with an appeals court upholding the verdict last year. The judgment became final in April.

SFV said US officials had requested court documents related to the case and sought to clarify whether physical violence was involved.

“The embassy’s investigation focused specifically on whether there was any physical violence. There was not,” the federation said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said travelers using the Visa Waiver Program must disclose any criminal history and may be required to obtain a visa if they do not qualify for ESTA approval.

A spokesman for the Swiss team noted that Embolo traveled to the United States without problems during the June 2025 international tour.

The 29-year-old is expected to lead Switzerland’s attack at the World Cup, having scored 24 goals in 86 appearances for his country.

Switzerland open their Group B campaign against Qatar on June 13 in Santa Clara before taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood. Their final match in the group stage is against co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on June 24.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

03 Jun 2026 23:33 IST