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Switzerland’s World Cup squad traveled to the United States without Brill Embolo on Tuesday after the forward’s Estée sanction was put under review.
The review of Embolo’s Esta — an automated system that determines whether an international visitor is eligible to enter the U.S. without a traditional visa — is related to a Swiss court ruling in Basel in 2018 about a dispute involving Embolo.
The 29-year-old, who has scored 23 goals in 85 appearances for his country and played in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, was found guilty of making multiple threats in 2023 and given a suspended fine.
After the appeal ruling was upheld, Swiss media reported in April that the Stade Rennais attacker had decided not to take the case to federal court, making the ruling final.
“Unfortunately, Bril Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team,” the Swiss federation said in a statement.
“His ESTA approval was approved till this morning. However, at 10:30 am, we were informed that his ESTA application has been put under further review.
“We are currently liaising with the relevant authorities and expect Brill to either join the team later today or travel tomorrow and then join the squad.”
Embolo was allowed to enter the United States in June 2025 for friendlies against Mexico and the United States.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Swiss national team’s Instagram account posted a photo of the players on a plane with the caption: “One seat empty, but not for long. See you soon Brill Embolo.”
Switzerland, whose World Cup base is in San Diego, will open their group stage campaign against Qatar in Santa Clara on June 13, before facing Bosnia and Herzegovina in Inglewood and co-hosts Canada in Vancouver.
