UK Royal Opera Chorus marks 2026 World Cup start with London performance
On June 11, London's Covent Garden hosted an open-air concert featuring tenor SeokJong Baek and the Royal Opera Chorus performing Puccini's 'Nessun Dorma' to celebrate the kick-off of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
The Royal Opera House marked the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a public performance in central London on June 11. Outside Covent Garden, South Korean tenor SeokJong Baek joined the Royal Opera Chorus for an open-air rendition of Giacomo Puccini's 'Nessun Dorma' from the opera 'Turandot'. The event took place on Davies Terrace, drawing passers-by and opera lovers to the heart of the British capital as the world's largest World Cup got underway.
The performance highlighted the enduring connection between football and classical music. 'Nessun Dorma' became closely associated with major football tournaments during the 1990 World Cup and remains one of the sport's most recognisable musical pieces. Baek, internationally known for performing the role of Calaf, sang alongside the chorus of the Royal Opera House.
The event formed part of wider celebrations surrounding the opening of the expanded 48-team tournament, which began in Mexico City on June 11.
