Rina Akutsu Ties Best-Ever Finish for Japanese Women with 3rd Place at FIFG FootGolf World Championship 2026

The women's individual event at the 'FIFG FootGolf World Championship 2026' in Acapulco, Mexico, concluded its final round on the 1st (local time). Japanese national team player Rina Akutsu marked a 1-under 70, finishing with a total of 24-under, tying the best-ever record for a Japanese woman set by Naoko Miura in the previous tournament, and securing 3rd place. She clinched the podium with a spectacular eagle on the final 18th hole. Her second shot cleared the bunker to land about 5 meters to the left of the pin, and she successfully read the subtle slice line to sink the putt. Despite a volatile round featuring 1 eagle, 5 birdies, 3 bogeys, and 1 triple bogey, she achieved a top-3 finish for the second consecutive tournament. Acapulco faced intense heat and humidity, creating harsh conditions that caused many players to report feeling unwell. Despite suffering from poor health since arriving, Akutsu overcame the challenges with mental strength. This result provides momentum for the team competition starting on the 3rd, where the team aims for a repeat victory. Other Japanese women also performed well, with first-time World Cup participant Airi Itakura finishing tied for 5th with a total of 22-under. Naoko Miura dropped her score to a 2-over 73, finishing tied for 12th at 14-under, alongside Nana Morisue, who shot an even-par 71.