I was visiting friends in South Korea and Japan last summer during the world cup. I didn't really give a rats ass about soccer till I saw afew games live. Its hard to explain, its just the vibe. Its like the United Nations expect everyone is drunk. Its the best time I ever had. Its hard not to enjoy it when surrounded by people who have saved up there whole lives to go to a worlds cup.
Most of the world is poor and soccer is the cheapest game on the planet. Thats why it is so popular.