Breel Embolo has received clearance to travel to the United States for the upcoming World Cup. The Swiss forward, who did not join his team for their initial departure, faced visa issues that were resolved shortly before he was scheduled to leave.
Visa Approval for Embolo
The Swiss football federation announced that Embolo’s visa has been approved. He is expected to arrive in the U.S. on Friday evening. This clearance comes after U.S. authorities requested additional information regarding a prior legal case from 2018.
- Embolo was convicted in 2023 for making multiple threats.
- The legal issues related to an altercation that occurred in Basel in 2018.
- He attended an appointment at the U.S. embassy in Bern, where he secured his travel authorization.
International Career Highlights
Breel Embolo has been a key player for Switzerland, boasting 23 goals in 85 international appearances. This World Cup marks his third participation in the tournament. Currently, he plays club football for Rennes in France, where he scored 10 goals in the 2025/26 season.
His most recent international goal was during a friendly match against Germany, which ended in a 4-3 defeat for Switzerland in March. Switzerland’s upcoming warm-up match against Australia is scheduled for Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, although Embolo’s participation is uncertain due to his late arrival.
World Cup Schedule
The World Cup is set to begin on June 11, with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match. The ceremony will kick off approximately 90 minutes before the game at Estadio Azteca. Switzerland’s group stage matches include:
- June 13: Switzerland vs. Qatar
- Subsequent matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and co-hosts Canada
Historically, Switzerland has struggled to progress beyond the Round of 16 since reaching the quarter-finals while hosting the tournament in 1954.
Knockout Rounds
The knockout phase begins on June 28, with the Round of 32 in Los Angeles. The Round of 16 is scheduled to start on July 4. Quarter-finals will be held in Boston on July 9, and the semi-finals are set for July 14 and 15.
