Swiss striker Breel Embolo cleared for US travel ahead of 2026 World Cup

Swiss forward Breel Embolo, aged 29, has received approval to travel to the United States under the ESTA system. The authorization follows a review triggered by a Swiss court ruling related to a 2018 altercation in Basel, for which Embolo was convicted in 2023 of making threats and received a suspended fine. After an appointment at the US Embassy in Bern, the Swiss Football Federation announced that Embolo’s visa was approved and expects him to join the national team in San Diego on Friday.

Embolo has scored 23 goals in 85 appearances for Switzerland and featured in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The team will be based in San Diego for the 2026 tournament, which will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, and opens against Qatar on 13 June in Santa Clara.