The 2026 Eliteserien season, now past the midway point of its 30-match schedule, sees the relegation battle centered on the three promoted sides and a handful of mid-table clubs. Newly promoted Aalesund and Start sit 15th and 16th with just 15 and 13 points from 18 matches, conceding heavily and posting long winless streaks that have left them clear of the pack. Kristiansund in 14th remains only marginally safer on 16 points. Strong defensive records and consistent results from sides like Bodø/Glimt, Viking, and Tromsø have widened the gap at the bottom, while the remaining schedule offers limited immediate relief for the lowest teams given their poor recent form and goal difference. The bottom two face direct relegation, with 14th entering play-offs.