Top News

The Swiss national football team has suffered a major setback ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Their key striker, Breel Embolo, has been forced to stay behind as the squad departs for the United States due to administrative issues related to his entry permit.

The problem arose after Embolo’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which had previously been approved, was suddenly placed under review by U.S. authorities.

As a result, the AS Monaco forward has not yet joined his teammates who flew to Los Angeles on Tuesday (2 June 2026).

The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed that Embolo could not travel with the team because his ESTA status changed to “further review” just hours before departure.

In an official statement, SFV said they are coordinating with relevant authorities to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

“Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team,” SFV wrote.

“We are in contact with the relevant authorities and hope Breel can join the squad later today or tomorrow,” the statement continued.

Although the situation has raised concerns, the Swiss Football Association remains optimistic that the matter is only temporary and will not affect Embolo’s participation in the 2026 World Cup.

Old Legal Case Resurfaces

According to a BBC report, Embolo’s current difficulties may be linked to a legal case he faced several years ago.

In 2018, Embolo was involved in a disturbance in Basel, Switzerland. The case eventually went to court and concluded with a ruling in 2023.

At that time, Embolo was found guilty of issuing threats and was handed a suspended fine.

Although he did not receive a prison sentence, his legal record is believed to have prompted U.S. authorities to re-examine his travel authorization.

Embolo had, in fact, entered the United States after the case when he joined the Swiss squad for friendly matches against the U.S. and Mexico in June 2025.

However, U.S. authorities have yet to release an official statement explaining the exact reason for this renewed review.

Embolo’s absence has drawn significant attention for the Swiss team, as the forward—now playing for Rennes—is one of the most experienced members of Murat Yakin’s squad.

Since making his international debut in 2015, Embolo has earned 86 caps and scored 24 goals for Switzerland.

He has been a key figure for the national team in major tournaments, featuring in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and three consecutive editions of the European Championship.

At the 2026 World Cup, Switzerland will compete in Group B alongside Qatar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and host nation Canada.

The team is scheduled to open their campaign against Qatar on 14 June 2026 in Santa Clara, followed by matches in Los Angeles and Vancouver.

World Cup 2026 Controversies

The 2026 World Cup has already been surrounded by several controversies, particularly involving host nation the United States.

Numerous issues have emerged in the lead-up to the tournament, including visa policy complications that could affect several participating countries.

Additionally, the political relationship between Iran and the U.S. has drawn attention ahead of the event.

Observers believe these factors could influence fan attendance and the overall atmosphere of the tournament in the U.S.

Adding to the tension, ticket prices in the U.S. have soared ahead of the World Cup.

For instance, for the opening match between the United States and Paraguay in Inglewood, California, on 13 June, front-row Category 1 tickets are being sold for as much as USD 4,105 (approximately INR 3.4 lakh), according to ESPN.

This marks a sharp increase compared to previous editions, where top Category 1 tickets were priced at around USD 2,735 (approximately INR 2.3 lakh).

These ongoing controversies have also been discussed by Adrian from Spieltag Indonesia during a Tribunnews podcast session.

“It’s already become a drama, both on and off the pitch,” said Adrian from Spieltag Indonesia.

“The United States has many regulations, especially concerning visas. On top of that, ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup are higher than in previous editions.”

“The situation is quite controversial even before the tournament begins.”

“Fortunately, there are no similar issues in Canada and Mexico.”

“Additionally, the status of Iranian players competing in the United States is another area of concern,” he added.