This is really some bad news for the Swiss football team rn . Their main striker Breel Embolo has been denied entry into United States just before FIFA World Cup 2026 starts.
So the whole squad left for Los Angeles on Tuesday . But Embolo was not allowed to get on flight . Apparently,his ESTA,which is travel authorization,was suddenly put under review .
And the whole problem is coming from one old case. He had a conviction for making threats back in 2018 and got a suspended fine for it . Now that past issue is creating this huge headache.
The Swiss Football Association has confirmed this and said they are talking to US authorities . weirdest part is they said his ESTA was actually approved until morning of flight only . How does that even happen .
And honestly,this is where things get really frustrating for the team.
This whole situation is big mess,and the timing couldn't be worse.
Few key things to know here:
- Embolo's entry was affected by a past conviction for making threats in 2018 .
- His ESTA authorization was reportedly okay until the morning he was supposed to fly.
- Swiss football officials are hoping to resolve issue quickly with US authorities.
And Embolo is not just any player ah . He is a vital part of their attack,scoring 23 goals in 85 matches . He even scored two goals in 2022 World Cup,so he's a big-game player.
Switzerland is preparing for its first Group B match against Qatar in San Francisco on June 13 . After that they have to face Bosnia and Herzegovina and then Canada. Without their star striker,it's going to be very tough.
The Swiss team usually makes it to knockout stages,but last time they had a really bad defeat against Portugal in Round of 16 . So this time they would want all their best players available .
You have to wonder if he will be able to join his teammates in time for that first match . The whole team's morale and strategy must be in chaos right now…
