Switzerland international Breel Embolo has been prevented from traveling to the United States with his national team for the World Cup due to a last-minute issue with his electronic travel authorization (Esta). The Swiss football federation confirmed that Embolo would miss the team's flight on Tuesday.

Travel Authorization Under Review

The federation stated, "Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team." They clarified that his Esta had been approved until Tuesday morning, but at 10:30 AM, it was "placed under further review." Despite this setback, the federation remains optimistic, saying, "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."

World Cup Preparations

As Switzerland gears up for the World Cup, they are set to compete in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Qatar. Their first match is scheduled against Canada in Toronto on June 12. A team spokesperson noted that Embolo had previously been granted entry into the United States for matches, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding his current travel issues.

Embolo is not alone in facing travel complications ahead of the World Cup. South Africa's squad experienced delays in their flight to the U.S. due to unresolved visa issues, which were described by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie as an "embarrassing" administrative error. The South African Football Association (SAFA) held an emergency meeting to address the situation and received assistance from the South African Foreign Ministry and the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg.

This incident follows previous scrutiny of South Africa's management during World Cup qualifying, where midfielder Teboho Mokoena played despite being suspended. Nevertheless, South Africa qualified for the tournament by topping their group and will participate in the World Cup for the first time since hosting the event in 2010. They are set to face co-hosts Mexico in their opening match on June 11 in Mexico City, followed by games against the Czech Republic and South Korea as part of Group A.