World Cup nation release statement as star player is denied entry into US

It's less than ten days until the event.

The tournament, anticipated to be the most watched sporting event in history, is being hosted across North America, with Mexico, Canada and the United States all sharing locations.

On June 11, Mexico kick off in a 2010 rematch against South Africa.

The Three Lions start their campaign on June 17, when they face Croatia in a 2018 repeat.

However, one club that is currently without one of their star players is Switzerland.

The Swiss federation confirmed Breel Embolo's ESTA travel authorisation was placed under review this week, with it linking back to a 2018 court ruling, as per The Sun.

The former Basel and Monaco man was convicted in 2023 of making multiple threats and given a suspended fine.

In a statement, Switzerland have said: Unfortunately, Breel Embolo is currently unable to travel to the United States with the team.

“His ESTA authorisation had been approved until this morning. However, at 10.30am, we were informed that his ESTA application had been placed under further review. 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.”

The official Switzerland channels then posted:

A spokesperson has told Reuters that Embolo had been allowed to travel to the US to play for Switzerland against the USMNT and Mexico last June.

The Rossocrociati have flown to Los Angeles, being based in San Diego throughout the early knockings of the competition.