FIFA World Cup Star Refused Entry Into USA Just Days Ahead Of The Tournament

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer at the airport. (Photo via Imagn Images)

FIFA World Cup Star Refused Entry Into USA Just Days Ahead Of The Tournament

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Jun 2, 2026 5:53 PM ET

Nine days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, more controversies continue to take place inside the United States and overseas. Iran will have to travel from Tijuana to American territory during the group stage in one of the most controversial situations of the competition.

Additionally, Donald Trump ordered the Congo national team to isolate in an Ebola bubble before traveling to America.

More recently, a visa issue involving a Swiss player made the rounds. He was blocked from traveling to the United States.

Breel Embolo Blocked From Traveling To America Days Before FIFA World Cup

Breel Embolo. Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-Imagn Images

Switzerland star Breel Embolo dealt with a visa issue. He and his teammates prepared to travel to the United States from Zurich on Tuesday. They headed to Los Angeles before going to a World Cup training camp in San Diego.

“However, at 10:30 am, we were informed that his ESTA application had been placed under further review,” the Swiss federation confirmed.

Authorities confirmed that they are “in contact with the relevant authorities and expect that Breel will either join the team later today (Tuesday) or travel tomorrow and join the squad then.”

Details about the decision remain unclear. Embolo is one of the best players on the Swiss team, especially with Xherdan Shaqiri not on the squad.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: