By Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Swiss international striker Breel Embolo has been left in limbo ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being prevented from travelling with the Switzerland squad to the United States due to a last-minute review of his Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The 29-year-old, who was born in Yaoundé before moving to Switzerland as a child, was expected to fly with his teammates to their training base in San Diego, but Swiss Football Federation officials revealed that his previously approved travel authorization was unexpectedly placed under further review just hours before departure. Swiss authorities remain optimistic that the Stade Rennais forward will be cleared to join the team in the coming days.
The issue is reportedly linked to a Swiss court case stemming from a 2018 altercation in Basel. Embolo was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and received a suspended fine. His appeal was later rejected and the judgment became final after he chose not to pursue the matter further before Switzerland’s highest court. The development has raised concerns over his availability for Switzerland’s World Cup preparations, although federation officials are working closely with the relevant authorities to resolve the situation.
For Cameroonian football fans, Embolo remains a familiar figure. The Yaoundé-born striker famously broke Cameroonian hearts at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar when he scored the only goal in Switzerland’s 1-0 victory over the Indomitable Lions. Out of respect for his country of birth, Embolo refused to celebrate after finding the net, a gesture that earned widespread admiration across Africa. He became only the second player in World Cup history to score against the nation where he was born.
Since making his senior debut for Switzerland in 2015, Embolo has developed into one of the country’s most important players. He has earned 85 caps and scored 23 international goals while representing Switzerland at two World Cups and three European Championships. The former Basel, Schalke 04, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Monaco forward currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Rennes and is expected to lead Switzerland’s attack at the World Cup once the travel issue is resolved.
With Switzerland set to begin their World Cup campaign next week, the race is now on for the Cameroon-born striker to secure clearance and rejoin his teammates before the tournament gets underway.
Copyright©️2025 kick442.com-Cameroon
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this platform may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, written, or distributed in full or in part, without written permission from our management.
This site is not responsible for the content displayed by external sites
English 
French