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Breel Embolo
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Breel Embolo

Cameroon-born Swiss forward who plays for Monaco.

Last refreshed: 12 July 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

Why did Breel Embolo face a visa dispute before the 2026 World Cup?

Timeline for Breel Embolo

#40 11 Jul

Sent off for a second yellow card for simulation on 72 minutes

2026 FIFA World Cup: Argentina break 10-man Swiss side late
#20 13 Jun

converted a penalty on 17 minutes to give Switzerland the lead

2026 FIFA World Cup: FIFA's hidden VAR graphic ignites row
View full timeline →

Background

Breel Embolo is a Swiss centre-forward Born on 14 February 1997 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. His family moved first to France and then settled in Switzerland, where he established himself through Basel before moves to Schalke 04, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Monaco and, from 2025, Rennes in Ligue 1. He has earned 86 caps for Switzerland and scored 24 international goals. At the 2022 World Cup he scored against Cameroon, his country of birth, and famously refused to celebrate.

Embolo converted a penalty in the 17th minute of Switzerland's opening 2026 fixture against Qatar on 13 June, though Qatar equalised in stoppage time to claim a point in their first-ever World Cup match.

Switzerland went on to reach the quarter-final for the first time in 72 years, beating Colombia on penalties to get there, before losing 3-1 after extra time to Argentina in Kansas City on 12 July. Embolo was sent off for a second yellow card for simulation on 72 minutes with the tie level, leaving his side a man down through the rest of normal and extra time. The dismissal was one moment in a campaign that otherwise underlined his standing as Switzerland's most experienced forward across three World Cups.

Common Questions
Why did Breel Embolo not celebrate his goal against Cameroon?
Embolo was Born in Cameroon and chose not to celebrate out of respect for his birth nation when he scored against them for Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Source: Gulf News / Wikipedia
What club does Breel Embolo play for?
Embolo joined Rennes in Ligue 1 in 2025 on a contract running to June 2029.Source: Transfermarkt / Wikipedia
Did Breel Embolo score at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Embolo converted a penalty in the 17th minute of Switzerland's group opener against Qatar on 13 June 2026, though Qatar levelled in stoppage time to earn their first-ever World Cup point.Source: event
Why was Breel Embolo blocked from joining Switzerland at the 2026 World Cup?
Embolo was initially blocked from boarding the Swiss squad's flight to the United States due to a US Visa issue, though he subsequently received clearance and joined the squad ahead of the tournament.Source: WION / beIN Sports
How did Switzerland's 2026 World Cup campaign end?
Switzerland lost 3-1 after extra time to Argentina in Kansas City on 12 July, their first World Cup quarter-final in 72 years. Breel Embolo was sent off on 72 minutes.Source: Lowdown
Was Breel Embolo sent off at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation on 72 minutes of Switzerland's quarter-final against Argentina on 12 July, with the score level at 1-1.Source: Lowdown
Source Material