Switzerland striker Breel Embolo finally secured his travel visa to the United States on Thursday, ending a two-day delay that kept him from joining his national team for the World Cup preparations. The Swiss soccer federation confirmed the approval after U.S. authorities initially blocked his departure from Zurich on Tuesday, wanting to verify details about a 2018 criminal conviction.

Embolo's case stems from a verbal altercation in Basel city center that resulted in prosecution. Though the incident was non-violent, U.S. immigration officials held up his authorization until they could confirm the nature of the conviction, which was only finalized this past April following an appeal process. The 29-year-old forward will now fly out Friday and link up with Switzerland's squad in San Diego.

Switzerland faces Australia in a warmup match Saturday before opening their World Cup campaign against Qatar on June 14 in Santa Clara. Embolo, heading to his third World Cup as the team's first-choice striker, gives Switzerland crucial attacking options in Group B, where they'll also face Bosnia-Herzegovina and co-host Canada on June 24.

His availability strengthens Switzerland's chances significantly. The team enters the tournament as favorites in their group, and having their experienced striker available for both preparation and the opening match provides a major boost for their World Cup aspirations.