The 2026–27 Croatian HNL season, which began in late July, features a 10-team field with NK Rudeš newly promoted and HNK Vukovar 1991 already relegated from the prior campaign. After eight matchdays, early results have positioned HNK Gorica and Rudeš at the foot of the table with the weakest records and goal differences, while Slaven Belupo, Lokomotiva Zagreb, and Istra 1961 occupy the lower mid-table zone. Traditional mid-table sides face pressure from improved starts by Osijek and Varaždin, and the usual depth of the league means several clubs remain within striking distance of the bottom three. Relegation is determined by final league position after 36 rounds, with the bottom side dropping directly to the Prva NL; head-to-head and goal difference serve as tiebreakers when points are level. Recent form, squad reinforcements, and fixture difficulty in the coming weeks will shape the developing battle at the lower end.