World Cup star banned from flying to US days before start of tournament

Switzerland's dream of lifting the 2026 FIFA World Cup could potentially be in tatters without a ball even being kicked.

That's because their lethal striker, Breel Embolo, wasn't able to join his teammates on the flight from Zurich Airport as they travelled to Los Angeles yesterday (June 2).

His national football federation announced in a concerning statement: "Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team."

Shortly before the Swiss craft was due for takeoff, the 29-year-old's ESTA application was 'placed under further review' by US authorities, delaying the player's journey, with no further explanation provided.

Embolo, who was born in Cameroon before moving to Switzerland with his family as a six-year-old, was implicated in a criminal case just two years ago in his home country, which may have something to do with the awkward delay.

Offering some context via social platform X, the apparently in-the-know @TobyWrites went on to share: "Embolo has not been allowed to travel to the US, not because of a 'visa', he holds a Swiss passport and does not need a traditional visa for short stays (up to 90 days) in the US. Switzerland is under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

"Instead, a Swiss citizen must obtain ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) approval online before travel. Think of ESTA as basic checks, that can also involve security checks, and this is where the problem is.

"Embolo was in a fight with some guys in Basel in 2018, he was convicted of making multiple threats and fined over €100k (£86,371)."

Strangely though, Embolo represented the Swiss side in an away match against the US last June; a friendly that ended 4-0 to his team.

Addressing the confusing situation, @TobyWrites continued: "When he came, he already had an appeal ongoing, and that was in court, so I guess that's why his ESTA was approved, because there was a chance that the Appeal court could overturn the judgement.

"The difference now is that the Appeal Court has thrown out his appeal and maintained the judgement he was given initially. They did this in September, last year.

"His judgement was in April this year. This means that he has a criminal record. So think of it as USA doing extra checks for a criminal. That's simply what's happening."

The Swiss national team's first game at the tournament unfolds on June 13 against Qatar, at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.

Four days later, they travel south to Los Angeles Stadium where Bosnia and Herzegovina await them.

Their third and final group game occurs on June 24, at Vancouver's BC Place. That one sees them lock horns with World Cup co-hosts Canada.

As for Embolo's international pedigree, the Rennes striker has netted 24 goals in 86 appearances, including one against England at Euro 2024.

Here's the complete Switzerland squad for this summer's football spectacle, managed by Murat Yakin:

Gregor Kobel, Marvin Keller and Yvon Mvogo (goalkeepers).

Manuel Akanji, Aurele Amenda, Eray Comert, Nico Elvedi, Luca Jaquez, Miro Muheim, Ricardo Rodriguez and Silvan Widmer (defenders).

Michel Aebischer, Christian Fassnacht, Remo Freuler, Cedric Itten, Ardon Jashari, Fabian Rieder, Djibril Sow, Granit Xhaka and Denis Zakaria (midfielders).

Zeki Amdouni, Breel Embolo, Johan Manzambi, Dan Ndoye, Noah Okafor and Ruben Vargas (forwards).