J2 League (Japan) 2026/27

League Japan 2026 Finished

Winner

Oita Trinita Final Oita Trinita 1:0 Montedio Yamagata

Table

2026

J2 League
#	Team	P	W	D	L	G	±	Pts
1	Vegalta Sendai	8	5	2	1	15:7	+8	17
2	Omiya Ardija	8	4	4	0	16:7	+9	16
3	Albirex Niigata	8	5	1	2	11:12	-1	16
4	Shonan Bellmare	8	4	3	1	9:7	+2	15
5	Kataller Toyama	8	4	2	2	16:8	+8	14
6	Yokohama FC	8	4	2	2	16:11	+5	14
7	Tokushima Vortis	8	4	1	3	8:8	0	13
8	Montedio Yamagata	8	4	0	4	10:6	+4	12
9	Fujieda MYFC	8	3	3	2	12:9	+3	12
10	Tegevajaro Miyazaki	8	3	2	3	12:12	0	11
11	Tochigi City	8	3	1	4	14:13	+1	10
12	Blaublitz Akita	8	2	4	2	11:10	+1	10
13	Júbilo Iwata	8	3	1	4	10:11	-1	10
14	Vanraure Hachinohe	8	3	1	4	5:12	-7	10
15	Iwaki	8	3	0	5	11:15	-4	9
16	Oita Trinita	8	1	5	2	7:6	+1	8
17	Sagan Tosu	8	2	2	4	8:11	-3	8
18	Ventforet Kofu	8	2	1	5	6:15	-9	7
19	Consadole Sapporo	8	1	2	5	10:17	-7	5
20	Imabari	8	1	1	6	7:17	-10	4

LeaderTop of the tableBottom of the table

Matches

Play-offs

Semi-finals

Final

Season in numbers

480 Matches played

1238 Goals

2.58 Scored per game

190 Home wins

175 Away wins

115 Draws

Clubs

All teams

About

The J2 League operates as the second tier of the Japanese professional football structure. It sits directly below the J1 League, having been established in 1999 by the Japan Professional Football League. The competition serves a distinct purpose compared to the top flight, functioning primarily as a developmental stage with a focus on community integration under the organisation’s broader vision. Unlike the premier division, the emphasis here remains on promotion rather than participation in continental tournaments. The current format involves 22 teams contesting a double round-robin schedule. Each side plays 42 matches throughout the campaign. A key feature distinguishing this season is the promotion pathway. The top two finishers secure automatic advancement to the J1 League. The teams placed between third and sixth position enter a playoff series known as the J2 Championship to determine the final promotion spot. Since 2023, the victor of this playoff receives direct promotion without facing a relegation playoff against a J1 club. Conversely, the bottom three teams face relegation to the third-tier J3 League, provided they meet specific club licensing requirements. This structure creates a competitive environment where stability is not guaranteed for long periods. The league officially holds the title of the Meiji Yasuda J2 League due to sponsorship arrangements. Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo is recorded as the most successful club in the league's history, having claimed the title on three occasions. The reigning champion is Mito HollyHock, who secured their first title in the previous season. The competition expanded its size in 2024, growing from 20 to 22 teams, altering the dynamics of the table. While the J1 League targets higher-tier achievements, the J2 League prioritises the cultivation of local talent and the maintenance of professional standards across the nation.