Mexico coach Miguel Herrera includes veteran defender Carlos Salcido in World Cup squad

Veteran defender Carlos Salcido is the biggest surprise on Mexico's 23-man World Cup roster.

Mexico coach Miguel Herrera announced the team on Friday.

It's the first call-up for Salcido since Herrera took over as Mexico coach late last year. Salcido was on Mexico's team for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Herrera left off two big names — goalkeeper Moises Munoz, who played for Herrera when he coached Club America — and midfielder Javier Aquino of Villarreal.

Mexico almost missed a sixth consecutive World Cup, needing a two-game playoff with New Zealand to qualify. It faces tough competition in Group A with matches against Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon.