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Paderborn are currently in Washington D.C. during the international break.
Paderborn are currently in Washington D.C. during the international break. - © Max Ellerbrake, SC Paderborn
Paderborn are currently in Washington D.C. during the international break. - © Max Ellerbrake, SC Paderborn
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Follow Paderborn's trip to the USA to play DC United in friendly

Paderborn are in Washington, D.C., during the first international break of the 2026/27 season, with the Bundesliga side to take on Major League Soccer club D.C. United in a friendly.

Follow Darmstadt's trip to Texas here!

Paderborn's stay in the US capital will run from 25 September to 1 October, with additional marketing activities also planned.

The North Rhine-Westphalian club secured promotion to the Bundesliga for the third time in their history in 2025/26 after beating Wolfsburg in the play-off.

Follow the tour here:

Double session + gym

If you thought Paderborn were in town just to see the sights, think again! Two intensive training sessions are scheduled for today, followed by some work in the gym.
© Max Ellerbrake, SC Paderborn

26 September: Limbering up

The players and staff arrived safely on Friday afternoon local time, and after resting at the team hotel, they were back to the grind on Saturday morning. Santiago Castenda (pictured) was all smiles as he warmed up back in his homeland.
© Max Ellerbrake, SC Paderborn

25 September: Next stop: USA!

The Paderborn delegation are all set for their trip to the US capital city!
© Max Ellerbrake, SC Paderborn

Homecoming for Castaneda

The trip will be particularly special for Paderborn midfielder Santiago Castaneda, whois from Tampa, Florida – just over two hours by plane from Washington. “The guys here in Paderborn have become my second home," he said. "Now the two sides get to know each other.”
© IMAGO/Stephan Hahne

"It will be a a very special experience"

"We're really looking forward to the trip to the U.S. and the opportunity to represent our sports club, the Bundesliga brand, and German soccer,” said Paderborn sporting director Sebastian Lange (pictured). “The match against D.C. United is a great opportunity. The days in Washington, D.C., will also be a very special experience for the team and the entire delegation. Among other things, we'll visit local institutions and immerse ourselves in the daily lives of the people there.”
© IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel

What else is planned?

Paderborn will sample a different type of football on Sunday when they attend the Washington Commanders’ NFL clash with Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks. A visit to the University of Maryland is also on the itinerary, alongside tours of Garrison Elementary School, the Capitol and the White House.
© IMAGO/Kirby Lee

Squad set to arrive on Friday

Early on Friday morning, the Paderborn squad and staff members headed to Frankfurt Airport. Set to arrive in Washington, D.C. on Friday afternoon, their first order of business will be to adjust to the new time zone and acclimatise at the team hotel. Two intensive training sessions are then scheduled for Saturday.
© Max Ellerbrake
3:43

Watch: Paderborn vs Minnesota United on their last US tour

Paderborn's most recent US tour took place in June 2022, when they travelled to Wisconsin, Minnesota and Chicago.

28 players bound for Washington

Ralf Kettemann has named a 28-man squad for Paderborn’s US tour. Laurin Ulrich and Luka Duric miss the trip after earning maiden call-ups to Germany’s U21s and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s senior side, respectively. Marcel Hoffmeier and Timur Gayret are travelling, however, and will continue their rehabilitation in Washington, D.C., as they work towards their return.
© Max Ellerbrake
0:24

Watch: Paderborn depart for their US tour

Paderborn to play D.C. United

Paderborn are set to take on MLS side D.C. United at Audi Field on Wednesday, September 30, as part of their US tour. Kick-off is at 7.30pm local time (1.30am CEST on 1 October). The friendly forms part of their week-long stay in Washington, D.C., with training sessions and community visits also on the agenda.
© IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel
2:03

Watch: Paderborn 3-1 Hoffenheim - highlights

First win secured

Ralf Kettemann's team head to the US on a high after registering their first top-flight victory of the new season on Matchday 4. Goals from Santiago Castaneda, Stefano Marino and Steffen Tigges helped secure a 3-1 win over Hoffenheim, lifting the club into 12th place after four rounds of fixtures.
© IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel

Welcome along!

Paderborn are jetting off to Washington, D.C. during the first international break of the 2026/27 campaign. Keep up to date with all the latest news, events and friendlies from the newly promoted Bundesliga club’s visit to the US capital, which runs from 25 September to 1 October.
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