 Fernández was selected to represent his country at the 2005 Under-20 World Cup qualifying tournament, in which Mexico failed to advance to the main event, suffering two defeats and drawing once.He is known for his role at the 2008 CONCACAF Men's Pre-Olympic Tournament; he was a substitute in the last match against Haiti, when he, along Luis Angel Landín and César Villaluz, missed easy goals.Santiago missed a shot from nearly 2 meters from goal with no keeper and was unable to get to the ball several times in crosses from his teammates.