Where is Foz?
That has been the question asked by football fans during the 2026 World Cup, as the former Australian soccer player-turned-prominent sports broadcaster is a glaring absence from SBS’ coverage.
The 57-year-old – who became the face of SBS’s football coverage after Les Murray’s passing in 2017 – hasn’t appeared during this year’s tournament despite the fact he has become the figurehead of the last six World Cups on the national broadcaster.
And Code Sports reports it’s because he was dumped by SBS, without so much as a phone call, text or email.
“I wasn’t asked this time. I didn’t hear from them – no contact at all,” Foster told Code Sports.
Foster’s knowledge and passion for the game – especially in relation to the Socceroos – is second to none, so his absence has been clear as day.
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And the decision to snub him left fellow Socceroos great Robbie Slater seeing red, with the popular sports commentator stating SBS is wrong to have dumped the “national treasure” and saying his axing would have the legendary Les Murray “turning in his grave”.
“Les Murray would be turning in his grave, mate,” Slater told Code. “ … It’s a missed opportunity from SBS. They’re good people, but there’s no knowledge, there’s no experience.
“France played the other day, and I heard someone call them ‘one-dimensional’. I called Fozzy and said, ‘Mate, why aren’t you on SBS, you’ve done six World Cups’. He told me he never had a call, never had an email about anything. I find that extraordinary.”
His absence has become glaring after Harry Kewell, who was brilliant in his on-air role as SBS analysis, returned to Vietnam to begin pre-season as coach of Hanoi FC.
Legendary Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was also not called up to be part of the coverage.
Slater claims the Aussie legend was initially approached about a role on SBS’ World Cup coverage before being overlooked.
“You don’t want Fozzy or Schwarzer? Extraordinary,” he added.
“Don’t get me wrong, the coverage is superb, and it’s not to disrespect anyone who is there, and it’s not a criticism – the coverage is brilliant. It’s not about who is there, it’s about who’s not.”
Foster made 29 appearances for the Australia between 1996 and 2000.
During his international career, the midfielder scored nine goals.