RICHMOND, Va. (November 4, 2026) - Former ECNL and Florida Premier FC midfielder and current SC Paderborn player Santiago Castaneda was called into the US Men's National Team by head coach Mauricio Pochettino for the two CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals matches against Haiti.
Castaneda becomes the second player in the ECNL Boys' nine-year history to be called into the US's men's senior team; Joshua Wynder, a Louisville City alum, was rostered for the 2023 Continental Clasico against Mexico but did not appear. Castaneda could become the league's first player ever to appear for the USMNT if he plays in either leg of the quarterfinals.
"I was fortunate to witness Santi's performance in one of the ECNL National Selection Games a few years ago, as well as in the ECNL National Training Camp in Louisville, where his talent clearly stood out," said ECNL Boys Commissioner Jason Kutney. "Watching his ascent since then, supported by the great staff and environment at Florida Premier FC as he turned pro, has been fantastic. It is so rewarding to see more and more of the success stories of ECNL alums moving on to the collegiate, professional and international levels. We will all be tuning in to support Santi and the US Men's National Team in these upcoming matches."
Castaneda's journey to the USMNT began in Florida in 2022, when he appeared in the ECNL Florida Continental Tire National Selection Game. His play in the NSG turned heads, earning him Man of the Match honors, and after entering the game with zero college offers, Castaneda spoke with multiple NCAA Division 1 coaches and professional clubs. With the NSG as a catalyst, Castaneda was able to turn his play into an Academy contract with the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL.
Following his academy contract with the Rowdies, Castaneda ultimately turned down D1 scholarship offers to sign with MSV Duisberg in the German third division at just 18 years old. He appeared in 30 matches, starting 27 of them, playing more than 2,300 minutes and registering two goals and two assists. His excellence on the field caught the attention of SC Paderborn in 2.Bundesliga, and following the season, Castaneda transferred to the club.
In his three seasons with SC Paderborn, Castaneda has appeared in more than 70 matches, starting 60 of them, and he's played more than 5,100 minutes. At the end of the 2025-26 season SC Paderborn earned promotion into Bundesliga, and since joining Germany's top-flight league, Castaneda has started every game, played every minute of every match, and scored his first top-flight goal against Hoffenheim on Sept. 20.
Castaneda's rapid rise from youth to professional to international soccer is an inspiration to every player with a dream, belief, and commitment. His journey, and the steps taken by the dozens of ECNL alums selected in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft this year alone, show that the pathway to the top of the game is growing broader and stronger for American players every year.
###
About the ECNL:
The ECNL is the nation's leading youth soccer development platform for America's top soccer players. The ECNL mission to provide the best youth sports experience in the world drives constant innovations in competitions and experiences for players, parents, families, coaches, referees, and partners. The ECNL has questioned convention and challenged the status quo of youth sport since 2009, pushing boundaries and striving for unmatched excellence. Together with its clubs and club leaders, the ECNL creates unforgettable memories and supports the development of youth players into college stars, professionals, world champions, and leaders.
www.TheECNL.com
ECNL FB: @TheECNL | ECNL IG: @TheECNL | ECNL X: @TheECNL
