Switzerland traveled to the 2026 World Cup without striker Briel Embolo after his ESTA was put under review.
Murat Yakin’s team left for the United States on Tuesday, but they did so without Embolo after learning that ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was no longer approved.
“Unfortunately, Briel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team,” the Swiss Football Association said in a statement.
“His ESTA permit was approved as of this morning. However, at 10:30 a.m., we were informed that his ESTA application had been placed under further review.
He added: “We are currently in contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Brill will either join the team later today or travel tomorrow and join the team then.”
ESTA is an automated system that determines whether a foreign visitor can enter the United States without a traditional visa.
The ESTA’s review of Embolo is linked to a ruling by a Swiss court over a brawl involving the 29-year-old in Basel in 2018.
He was convicted of making several threats and given a suspended fine in a 2023 ruling, which was upheld on appeal. Embolo chose not to take the case to federal court.
Embolo was allowed to enter America in June last year against the United States and Mexico.
The Rennes striker, who previously played for Schalke, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Monaco, made 85 appearances for the Swiss national team, scoring 23 goals. He appeared in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals.
Share on The Swiss national team’s Instagram account On Tuesday, a photo of the team appeared during their trip to the United States, with the caption: “One seat empty, but not for long. See you soon Bril Embolo.”
Switzerland has been placed in Group B and will be strong favorites to win the group. They will face Qatar in the opening match in the San Francisco Bay Area on June 13. They will then meet Bosnia and Herzegovina in Los Angeles before facing hosts Canada in Vancouver.
