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Breel Embolo’s uncertainty over his World Cup participation has finally been resolved, with the Switzerland striker receiving permission to enter the United States. The 29-year-old had earlier missed the national team’s departure for their San Diego training camp this week, but will now join his teammates ahead of the global tournament.

Visa issue finally resolved

Embolo has been cleared to join Switzerland’s World Cup squad in the United States after receiving approval for his visa, which had previously delayed his travel. The Swiss Football Federation confirmed on Thursday that the forward is expected to arrive in San Diego on Friday evening. The 29-year-old could not travel with the rest of the team on Tuesday after his ESTA travel authorisation was subjected to additional review shortly before departure. While his teammates proceeded to their pre-tournament base in California, Embolo stayed back in Switzerland awaiting the decision.

Federation confirms positive outcome

The resolution of Embolo’s visa issue ends several days of uncertainty and ensures that Switzerland can continue their preparations with one of their key attacking players available. The Swiss Football Federation stated that the matter had been settled and that Embolo had been granted permission to travel.

“We have just been informed that Breel Embolo’s visa has been approved. He will therefore be able to travel to the United States and is expected to join the team on Friday evening,” the federation announced in a statement.

Visa checks linked to previous legal case

The delay was caused by additional checks requested by U.S. authorities. Embolo attended an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Bern on Wednesday, where officials reviewed documents connected to a legal matter stemming from a 2018 incident in Basel.

According to the Swiss Football Federation, American officials also sought court documents related to a 2023 conviction for issuing multiple threats, which resulted in a suspended fine and became legally binding earlier this year.

Although the issue had already been resolved through the judicial process, it prompted further scrutiny under U.S. entry requirements before Embolo was ultimately granted his visa.

Attention turns back to tournament preparations

With the administrative delay now behind him, Embolo is expected to rejoin the Switzerland squad immediately. His inclusion will bolster the team’s attacking strength as they ramp up preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Switzerland have been drawn in Group B alongside Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Qatar.