Brazil are already looking ahead to their left-back situation. After their World Cup 2026 exit - a 1-2 loss to Norway on July 5 - manager Carlo Ancelotti is scouting replacements for Alex Sandro and Douglas Santos, who will turn 36 in 2030. Enter Souza, the 20-year-old left-back who joined Tottenham in January 2026 for €15 million (R$87 million) from Santos.

Souza has youth-team pedigree with the Brazil national team, winning the 2023 South American U-20 title. Despite limited Premier League minutes at Tottenham - just four appearances - the youngster’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed. With the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) planning a youth-focused rebuild, Ancelotti is eyeing the youngster as a long-term option.

Why the left-back spot is a priority

The July 5 loss to Norway exposed defensive frailties on the left flank. Veteran Alex Sandro has been phased out of Ancelotti’s plans, while Douglas Santos is nearing the end of his prime ahead of 2030. The CBF wants to avoid repeating the mistake of relying on an aging squad, as seen at World Cup 2026, where the average age skewed higher. Souza, with his technical profile and youth-team success, fits the rebuild blueprint.

He arrived at Tottenham in January 2026 amid a relegation scrap, limiting his early impact. But with Ancelotti now in charge of the Brazil national team, the pressure to blood young talent is mounting. The 20-year-old has time on his side, yet he’s already seen as a mid-to-long-term starter.

How Souza could break into the Seleção

The CBF is drafting a plan to merge youth-team coaches with the senior setup. Souza already has youth-team caps and a 2023 South American U-20 title under his belt, making him a credible candidate for friendlies or even the next Copa América 2028. Ancelotti must balance experience and youth, and the Tottenham left-back is a natural fit.

His debut for the Brazil national team isn’t scheduled yet, but the CBF’s calendar is set. Brazil return on September 25, 2026, hosting Australia in Townsville, with a rematch in Brisbane four days later. Souza could make his first appearance then if Ancelotti opts to test him.

What to expect from the next cycle

The World Cup 2026 exit left a bitter taste for the Brazil national team. With the round-of-16 loss to Norway, the CBF is set to overhaul the squad. Beyond Souza, other youth-team standouts like Endrick and Vitor Roque are in the mix. But Ancelotti needs time to assess the group - and Souza could be the first pleasant surprise.

The Norway loss on July 5 closed one chapter. Now, the Brazil national team must rebuild. The left-back slot is just the start: Ancelotti’s side is expected to prioritize renewal across the board. Souza, with his technical game and international pedigree, looks set to be the first concrete bet in the new project.