I think one of the reasons for the lack of enthusiasm for the World Cup (and soccer) in the U.S. is that we have sooo many other professional sports here. Most of which are much faster paced (except for baseball) and easier to follow. We do have hockey here, which is like soccer on ice, that doesn't get as much attention or the following that baseball, football or racing does. Maybe part of it (especially with team sports in the U.S.) is that there (seems to be) more strategy involved than in hockey or soccer.

Soren