UK: Royal Opera Chorus marks 2026 World Cup start with London performance

No Comment Video. UK: Royal Opera Chorus marks 2026 World Cup start with London performance Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 13/06/2026 - 10:45 GMT+2 London marked the 2026 World Cup kick-off with SeokJong Baek and the Royal Opera Chorus performing Puccini’s ‘Nessun dorma’ in Covent Garden. The UK welcomed the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a public performance in London on 11 June, linking one of football's most famous musical anthems to the start of the tournament in Mexico. Outside Covent Garden, South Korean tenor SeokJong Baek joined the Royal Opera Chorus for an open-air rendition of Puccini's 'Nessun Dorma'. The event took place on Davies Terrace and drew passers-by and opera lovers to the heart of the British capital as the world's largest World Cup got under way. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The performance highlighted the enduring connection between football and classical music. 'Nessun Dorma', from Puccini's opera Turandot, became closely associated with major football tournaments during the 1990 World Cup and remains one of the sport's most recognisable pieces of music. Baek, known internationally for performing the role of Calaf, sang alongside the chorus of the Royal Opera House. The event formed part of a wider celebration surrounding the opening of the expanded 48-team tournament, which began in Mexico City on 11 June. Opera London United Kingdom World Cup 2026 unusual Top stories Now playing Next UK: Royal Opera Chorus marks 2026 World Cup start with London performance Now playing Next David Beckham receives star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Now playing Next Israelis celebrate first Pride Parade in Tel Aviv since October 7 attack Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | June 13th, 2026 – Morning Now playing Next USA make impressive start to World Cup campaign Now playing Next Trump says US forces killed the leader of the Tren de Aragua gang Now playing Next How Japan is helping Vietnam build resilience against disasters In partnership with The Government of Japan Now playing Next San Andreas fault at highest stress level in 1,000 years Now playing Next Ukraine's strikes are methodically cutting Crimea off from Russia Now playing Next Did Shakira use a body double at the 2026 World Cup opener? Now playing Next Iran says no decision made on deal with US after Trump deal claims Now playing Next Trump says US will seize Iran's Kharg Island and other oil terminals Now playing Next World's first large-scale hydrogen engine starts generating electricity Now playing Next 'Hussarz' roar over Poland as first F-35s officially enter service Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | June 12th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next SpaceX makes its Nasdaq debut after the largest public offering in history ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment Gaza Families search ruins after Israeli strikes hit homes No Comment Gaza residents find brief escape in World Cup opener No Comment Russian drone barrage hits Kyiv and Mykolaiv as Ukraine reports major fires No Comment Belgium: Jordan Bardella strengthens ties with Vlaams Belang in Brussels visit Europe Today Any change to EU protection scheme for Ukrainians should be 'gradual', UNHCR deputy chief says Europe News Pope urges 'reciprocal' integration between migrants and host countries Europe News What to know about the EU's new migration and asylum reforms as they come into effect Made in Europe ‘Land of the fulfilled farmers’: Why the grass seems to grow greener in Austria Europe News Albania protests escalate into diplomatic standoff with Iran USA San Andreas Fault reaches highest stress level in 1,000 years Europe Today Georgieva: Europeans must invest 'together' Brussels, My Love? Podcast: The most political World Cup to date? ADVERTISEMENT Europe News Ukraine's drone strikes are methodically cutting Crimea off from Russia The Cube Viral Dua Lipa wedding photos were AI-generated Culture news British artist David Hockney, whose vibrant pool paintings defined an era, dies aged 88 Climate 'One of the strongest since 1950': What is El Niño and why does it matter? Mexico Mexico's 'missing persons' crisis takes centre stage at the World Cup No Comment Watch fan reactions as Mexico beat South Africa 2–0 in the World Cup opener No Comment Mexico: Tight security and protests surround 2026 World Cup opener No Comment Albania: thousands rally on 12th day of protests against Trump-linked resort ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT