Switzerland striker Breel Embolo faces a World Cup crisis after U.S. immigration officials denied him boarding on the team flight Tuesday. The 29-year-old applied for an urgent visa at the American embassy in Bern following the rejection, which stems from a 2018 conviction that became binding earlier this year.

Swiss soccer officials confirmed the U.S. embassy is reviewing Embolo's case, specifically examining whether physical violence occurred during the Basel city center altercation. The Swiss federation clarified no violence was involved. Embolo's guilty verdict from last September was finalized in April, just weeks before the tournament.

Switzerland opens its World Cup campaign June 13 against Qatar at Santa Clara's stadium, followed by matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Inglewood and Canada in Vancouver. Losing their first-choice striker would severely impact the Swiss attack, especially with Embolo having scored 24 goals in 86 internationals.

The situation highlights how legal issues can derail major tournaments at the last minute. Switzerland's World Cup hopes now hinge on diplomatic clearance rather than training preparation. Embolo's absence would force coach Murat Yakin to reshuffle an already limited attacking options.