Most in the USA won't notice until June and wonder when the USA plays. That is when it will hurt. Soccer has been gaining momentum, whether you individually care or not. But it's boosted every 4 years when more & more Americans jump on board the fun of the World Cup.
Disclaimer: I love soccer & am as into it as much as everyone here is into pinball. I want to say how catastrophic it is that the USA didn't qualify, but I can't. This country has too many other very good options. It will be a different way for me to watch the World Cup, with the USA not being involved. But life will certainly go on.
And hopefully prices on WCS94 tank and I'll happily grab a very nice one.