Switzerland forward Breel Embolo has been cleared to travel to the United States after his ESTA authorisation was approved, allowing him to join his teammates ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Embolo missed Switzerland’s squad flight on Tuesday after his ESTA was placed under review. ESTA is the automated system used to determine whether visitors can enter the United States without a traditional visa.
The Switzerland Football Federation confirmed that the 29-year-old had now received clearance.
“We have just been informed that Breel Embolo’s visa has been approved,” the federation said in a statement.
“He will therefore be able to travel to the United States. He is expected to join the team on Friday evening.”
The review was linked to a Swiss court ruling over an altercation involving Embolo in Basel in 2018. He was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and handed a suspended fine.
After the verdict was upheld on appeal, Swiss media reported in April that the Stade Rennais forward had decided not to take the case to the Federal Court, making the judgment final.
Embolo attended an appointment at the US Embassy in Bern on Wednesday before receiving approval to travel.
His clearance is a boost for Switzerland as they continue preparations for the World Cup. Embolo has scored 23 goals in 85 appearances for his country and featured at both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
Switzerland will be based in San Diego for the tournament. They open their Group B campaign against Qatar on 13 June in Santa Clara, before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood on 18 June and co-hosts Canada in Vancouver on 24 June.
