**Early in the 2026-27 Meiji Yasuda J1 League season (around matchweek 8 as of mid-September 2026), Avispa Fukuoka, Tokyo Verdy, and JEF United Chiba sit in the bottom three with just 4 points each.** These sides have recorded the fewest wins and worst goal differences amid a 20-team table where the bottom three face automatic relegation to J2. Recent results have compounded their struggles, including losses for Fukuoka (0-1 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Tokyo Verdy (1-3 to Urawa Reds), and JEF United (1-2 to Shimizu S-Pulse). The long double round-robin schedule leaves substantial room for recovery through improved form, squad adjustments, or results from mid-table sides like Gamba Osaka, Nagoya Grampus, and Kyoto Sanga, which also hover near the drop zone. Relegation is ultimately decided by final points, goal difference, and head-to-head records, with the J2 promotion playoff adding further complexity to the battle.