Entry problems to the USA: Breel Embolo allowed to fly in on Friday

Background of the entry problems

Due to the problems, Embolo had to personally apply for a visa at the US Embassy in Bern the following day. On Thursday, it was initially said that Embolo might be able to arrive on Wednesday, but this prospect had since clouded over again. On Thursday, the media team of the Swiss selection stated that they were still waiting for clearance from the US authorities. The association stated in a statement: "We are still waiting. Breel is ready to fly as soon as the OK comes."

On Thursday evening (local time), the Swiss Football Association finally confirmed that Embolo had received his US visa and could fly in on Friday. Accordingly, the striker will join the team in San Diego on Friday evening (local time). Previously, Embolo had waited at Zurich Airport for clearance from the US authorities. According to the association, the reason for the entry problems was a prior conviction that was noticed during the review of the entry application.

Reactions from the team

In sporting terms, Embolo, who has scored 24 goals for Switzerland so far, is an important part of the offense. He contributed a goal in Switzerland's 4-0 victory against the USA on the previous matchday. This is also why the waiting time is taking its toll on the team: Nico Elvedi said at the daily press conference on Thursday that Embolo is missed both sportingly and personally. "It's a great shame that he's not here yet. Sportingly he is missing, but also personally off the pitch. He is a positive person and makes everyone laugh," explained Elvedi.

Murat Yakin's team will play its final test match before the World Cup on Saturday. The match against Australia starts at 9:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on SRF. Afterwards, Switzerland's preparation for the tournament, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will begin. Switzerland is in Group B and will face World Cup host Qatar, co-host Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina there.

Final test against Australia

Embolo is currently under contract with Stade Rennais in the French Ligue 1. In the Bundesliga, he was active for FC Schalke 04 and Borussia Mönchengladbach between 2016 and 2022. Last year, he had already played two friendly matches in the USA with the Swiss selection, which fuels the hope that the entry formalities can be processed without further complications this time.

Outlook on the World Cup

The Swiss delegation has set up its base camp in San Diego, where they will spend the coming days until the start of the World Cup. Should Embolo arrive as planned on Friday evening, the coaching team would have little time for tactical discussions with the attacker before the kick-off against Australia. All the more reason for those responsible to rely on the striker's trip to the USA going smoothly this time.

However, with the late visa issuance, the Embolo issue is not yet fully resolved. The association merely expressed relief on Thursday that entry is now generally possible. This shifts the focus back to the sporting aspect: Switzerland wants to gain confidence for the upcoming World Cup with a victory against Australia.