Article content
Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.
See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source
One of Canada’s FIFA World Cup opponents might’ve hit a big stumbling block before the tournament has even kicked off.
Article content
Switzerland announced on social media on Tuesday that top striker Breel Embolo did not make the trip to the U.S., where the Swiss will set up training camp before the World Cup and take on Australia in a pre-tournament friendly.
The Swiss team’s official X account posted a picture taken on the team’s flight to the States, but noted that one player was missing.
Article content
“One seat empty, but not for long,” the post read. “See you soon Breel Embolo.”
What did the team say about his absence?
The Swiss team confirmed the absence of the Stade Rennais striker’s absence in a statement on its official site, citing an issue with his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
“Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team,” the Swiss federation said.
“His Esta authorization had been approved until this morning. However, at 10:30am, we were informed that his Esta application had been placed under further review.”
Has Breel Embolo had issues in the past?
While the team didn’t state the reason behind Embolo’s visa issue, he had been convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and was given a suspended fine.
However, this conviction hasn’t been an issue when coming to America in the past. Embolo was allowed to enter the country in June 2025 to compete in friendly matches against Mexico and the U.S.
Article content
Will Embolo miss the World Cup?
The Swiss team anticipates the issue to quickly be cleared up and that Embolo should be joining the squad in San Diego ahead of a friendly against Australia on Saturday.
“We are currently in contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Breel will either join the team later today or travel tomorrow and join the squad then,” the team said in its statement.
Read More
-
Ultimate World Cup watchlist: The Top 20 games fans won’t want to miss
-
Alphonso Davies won’t be ready for World Cup opener, but plenty of optimism for Canada
Embolo is Switzerland’s first-choice striker and is the country’s active leading scorer. He has racked up 24 goals in 86 appearances for this country and will be competing in his third World Cup.
Switzerland has been drawn into Group B with Canada, Qatar and Bosnia-Herzegovina and is the favourite to come out on top.
Its match against Canada on June 24 in Vancouver could decide which country takes first place in the group.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Share this article in your social network