Breel Embolo Joins Switzerland's World Cup Squad After Visa Approval

Breel Embolo will finally join up with Switzerland’s World Cup squad in the United States after a late visa approval ended an anxious wait for one of Murat Yakin’s key forwards.

The Swiss football federation confirmed on Thursday that the 29-year-old is now cleared to travel and is expected to land in San Diego on Friday evening, days after the rest of the squad flew out to their pre-tournament base in California.

Instead of boarding the plane with his team-mates on Tuesday, Embolo stayed behind in Switzerland. His ESTA travel authorisation was suddenly placed under further review shortly before departure, leaving Switzerland to open their World Cup preparations without the striker who has so often carried their attacking threat on the biggest stages.

For several days, the situation hovered in limbo. While training sessions began under the Californian sun, Embolo was in Bern, waiting on a decision that would determine whether he could even enter the country hosting Switzerland’s World Cup campaign.

The pressure finally eased on Thursday.

"We have just been informed that Breel Embolo's visa has been approved. He will therefore be able to travel to the United States. He is expected to join the team on Friday evening," the federation said in a statement, confirming the resolution of a saga that had quickly become an unwelcome distraction.

The delay arose from additional checks requested by U.S. authorities. Embolo attended an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Bern on Wednesday, where officials reviewed documents linked to a legal case stemming from a 2018 altercation in Basel.

American officials also asked for court records tied to a 2023 conviction for making multiple threats. That case resulted in a suspended fine and became legally binding earlier this year, and, although it had already run its course through the Swiss legal system, it triggered extra scrutiny under U.S. entry rules.

Only after those records were examined and the questions satisfied did the green light arrive.

For Switzerland, it means one of their main attacking options will finally step into camp, a few days late but in time to fold back into the group before the real business starts.